Focus Group ADAPT – Accessibility, Diversity, and Pedagogical Transformation
Mission and Vision
There is an increasing number of learners with specific needs in higher education and given the particular nature of language learning and language assessment, many teachers and test developers are faced with the challenge of how best to include these learners. Therefore, the main aims of this focus group are:
- To promote inclusive and accessible language educationfor all university students, including those with disabilities, learning differences, or atypical learning profiles.
- To raise awarenessamong language educators and institutional stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of teaching students with specific needs in higher education. This includes advocating for best practices in applying the CEFR principles to diverse learners.
- To develop, share, and disseminategood practices, pedagogical models, and standardised assessment support frameworks that enhance accessibility and equal participation.
- To foster collaborationamong CercleS member institutions and other international networks working in inclusive education and language pedagogy.
Among others, ADAPT FG activities will be:
- Research and Mapping
- Map institutional practices, accommodations, and support services available for students with specific needs.
- Identify and analyse the range of specific needs among language learners in higher education contexts across Europe.
- Collect teachers feedback and experiences about inclusive teaching approaches.
- Carry out research on the criteria used to grant accommodations in language testing and their effect on construct validity.
- Pedagogical Development
- Develop adaptable teaching strategies, materials, and assessment tools for inclusive language classrooms.
- Carry out an analysis of existing institutional guidelines and develop a framework of reference for institutional guidelines.
- Capacity Building and Training
- Design and deliver professional development workshops and webinars for language teachers and assessment staff.
- Provide guidance on collaboration between language teachers, disability support centres, and academic departments.
- Analyse and provide training on the application of the CEFR Companion Volume descriptors (e.g., mediation, sign language) in curriculum design and assessment.
- Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination
- Contribute to CercleS conferences, newsletters, and policy discussions to ensure visibility of inclusive education issues.
- Student Empowerment and Voice
- Collect student feedback and experiences to inform inclusive teaching approaches.
- Encourage student participation in co-designing and evaluating language courses.
