FAQ

Do I have to pay for using the platform?

No, it is free of charge.

How to use the platform?

Learners and teachers can access the platform without having to enter any personal information or having the inconvenience of remembering login details.

What are the technical requirements to use the platform?

The courses in the FOCAL platform are designed in a responsive design and can be optimally used with smartphones. The materials of the course together with additional resources are also available as PDF files that can be used as handouts in the classroom. This is helpful if learners or teachers do not have a permanent and stable internet access. Thus, no specific technical infrastructure is required for its use.

What is CEFR?

CEFR, or Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is a framework that organises language proficiency in six levels, A1 to C2, which can be regrouped into three broad levels: Basic User, Independent User and Proficient User, and that can be further subdivided according to the needs of the local context (according to the Council of Europe). The Framework also offers a self- assessment orientation tool that enables learners to evaluate their level of proficiency.

What advantages does the FOCAL platform offer?

The FOCAL platform makes use of modern CEFR as a basis for language learning. The communication language activities and strategies include: reception, production, interaction and mediation. The courses compile various dialogues, videos with exercises and scenarios, presentation tasks, instruction for working assignments; they also include the vocabulary, phraseology, grammatical structures and technical language necessary for successful realization of job-related tasks found under the selected professions.