Developing a CEFR-Oriented English Language Activities Framework to Improve Student Proficiency in Community Colleges of Malaysia

Abstract

 In the era of globalization, English proficiency has become an essential requirement in various 
fields. This proficiency does not undermine the importance of the Malay language as the national language, but rather strengthens the positions of both languages in the national education arena and employment sector. To evaluate the self-directed Student Learning Time (SLT) through lecture sessions and summative assessments based on curriculum requirements, which do not provide adequate guarantees, a more comprehensive and practical model approach is essential to guide the implementation of these objectives. Therefore, this study aims to develop 
a set of theories based on scholarly activities to improve the learning methods of higher education TVET students, with a focus on formative assessment aspects. This study employs a qualitative design through triangulation analysis, where researchers develop a more practical model aligned with the levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in Community Colleges of Malaysia. The study's findings indicate that the English Easy Model (EEM) is practical and applicable in enhancing students’ English proficiency, which is supported by various reasonable and relevant activities based on the students’ knowledge and background. Furthermore, a fresh activity refinement was adapted for the learning context of TVET students. It is hoped that this proposed model will help and facilitate the teaching and learning techniques of stakeholders in TVET institutions to elevate the importance of English as a preparation for industrial training. Among the recommendations at the institutional policy level is to implement industry-based English learning courses (EOI) that are more suitable and beneficial to students and alumni over time. 

Keywords: English Easy-Model (EEM), TVET, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), Community College of Malaysia