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Research and Insights

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A world shaped by
research & insights

    Everything we do is shaped by your needs; so together we have a bigger impact on the lives of your learners

    We care deeply about what's important to you, your institutions and your learners. We're constantly striving to improve learner confidence, progress and performance. We also want to support your professional development. That's why we measure impact and effectiveness. Our teams of experts do this throughout learning and teaching journeys.

    We combine technological innovation (such as advances in AI) with centuries of expertise. By doing this, we're able to provide ever more effective learning experiences. These can adapt to your learners' personal needs.

    Achieving their goals

    Our research helps your learners achieve their goals. We care about finding the most effective ways to teach and learn. 
This means that your learners gain the skills, qualifications and confidence needed for their future.

    Shaping the future​

    We shape the future of learning and assessing English. We do this by combining innovation, our university partnership and the breadth and depth of our research.

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    Our expertise and university partnership

    We have dedicated, in-house research teams. Our experts specialise in language learning, assessment and educational research for English.

    We also work with leading experts within the University of Cambridge and beyond.

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    Driving innovation​

    Learning, teaching and assessing English will always evolve. We’re committed to being at the ​forefront of change.​

    Our experts use research to harness the power of digital advancements, like AI. This helps us create the best and most ethical learning experiences possible.

    Our research papers

    We carry out research into what works best for teachers and learners. This means that everything we do is underpinned and improved by evidence. We then transform key insights into helpful, practical guidance that teachers can use in their teaching.

       

      Helping learners achieve

      Our research helps your learners achieve their goals. We care about finding the most effective ways to teach and learn. This means that your learners gain the skills, qualifications and confidence needed for their future.

       

      Two children focused on an iPad in class.

       

      Understanding and evaluating how learning happens

      We uncover the most effective ways to both teach and learn.

      We go beneath the surface, learning from teachers and learners across the world. This provides important insights about the learning process. We also get to see first-hand how our products perform in the real-world.

       

      Learn more

       

      Two women collaborating on a laptop on a couch.

       

      Developing skills through English

      Our world is changing fast. We need to prepare students with skills and experiences beyond simply learning English.

      Our research-backed resources, frameworks and products support learners to develop skills for life. These include those they need to achieve their goals. For example, we support learners with wellbeing and emotional development. We also cover employability, creative and critical thinking, and communication skills.
       

      Learn more

      Understanding and evaluating how learning happens

      We uncover the most effective ways to both teach and learn.

      We go beneath the surface, learning from teachers and learners across the world. This provides important insights about the learning process. We also get to see first-hand how our products perform in the real-world.

       

      Effective learning

      No two classrooms or learners are ever the same, and we need our products to work well for all learners and teachers, no matter their circumstances.



      We also know that the ability to see and understand your progress is at the centre of a great learning experience. Our products give ample opportunities to see progress, and utilise it in the next lesson or task. Insights from our research make this possible.

      A woman and man collaborate on a computer, focused on the screen.


      Digital pedagogy

      We help teachers use technology and digital learning materials as effectively as possible. We want to understand how technology can help your students learn. To do this we work with our experts, researchers, and teachers so you can use technology and digital learning materials as effectively as possible.



      Our digital materials are built on the latest research into second language learning. Our commitment to research lets us deliver useful guidance that improves the learning experience and supports your learners' digital literacy. 

       

      Teaching language as it’s really used


      A corpus is a massive electronic collection of spoken and written English examples.

      We use our world-leading Cambridge English Corpus across our products. This means that we teach learners useful, current language. It's also language that they will encounter every day in their lives. This helps learners sound natural when they speak and write.

      We use the corpus to observe and track how language is changing. It also helps us identify common learner errors and problems. This helps support learners' individual needs - because every learner is different. 

       

      Integrating learning and assessment

      Good teaching means supporting your students as they progress. It also means providing them with feedback that helps them improve. That's why we've combined our expertise in English language learning and assessment design. It allows us to create products that give teachers and learners the tools they need. 



      Our products help you track your students' progress and identify where they need extra help. We also offer personalised learning experiences, tailored to each student's individual needs. These have been shown to increase learner engagement and improve learning outcomes. 



      Providing real-time, targeted feedback helps students identify their strengths and challenges, supporting them with their own learning.

      The Cambridge English Curriculum Framework

      Knowing that the exams your students sit, or the learning materials you teach with really work is important to us and everyone we work with.

      Cambridge English Corpus

      The language in our teaching materials is guaranteed to be relevant and up to date.



      We use our world-leading Cambridge English Corpus across our products. This means that we teach learners useful, current language. It's also language that they will encounter every day in their lives.

      We use the corpus to observe and track how language is changing. It also helps us identify common learner errors and problems. This helps support learners' individual needs - because every learner is different.

      What is a corpus?

      A corpus is a massive electronic collection of spoken and written English examples. We use our corpus to answer questions about English vocabulary, grammar and usage. This works in a similar way to how you might look for information using a search engine.

       

      How does a corpus work?

      We gather data from a huge range of speakers and writers of English. This means we can identify the typical use of words and phrases. 

      These frequent words and patterns are the ones we include in our courses. They're based on evidence drawn from a huge sample of language and not on the values or intuition of one person.

       

      The Cambridge Learner Corpus

      We collect and analyse learner writing and we have an unparalleled collection. This allows us to see how learners around the world acquire and use language. We can then analyse how they're similar and where there are differences.

      This helps us provide tailored and comprehensive support to groups of similar learners. For example, those with the same first language or who are at the same level in their learning.

      Our corpus in action

      Here are a couple of examples of how the Cambridge English Corpus improves our content. This includes making it more accurate and up to date.

      Think book covers
      THiNK

      The "Get it right" sections in THiNK show our corpus data in action. They alert learners and teachers when learners are statistically more likely to encounter difficulties. This is based on findings from the Cambridge Learner Corpus.

      Think Beyond

      Evolve Digital Book covers
      Evolve Digital

      Both Evolve and Evolve Digital are Corpus-informed. A new functional language corpus (Funclang) was initiated for use in the courses.

      Evolve Digital

      Grammar and Beyond book covers
      Grammar and Beyond

      In Grammar and Beyond, concrete and useful points discovered through analysis of corpus data take students beyond traditional information, and teach them how grammar is used in authentic situations.

      Grammar and Beyond

      Knowing that the exams your students sit, or the learning materials you teach with really work is important to us and everyone we work with.

      Improving learning & measuring our impact

      Knowing that the exams your students sit, or the learning materials you teach with really work is important to us and everyone we work with.


      That's why our teams enhance our learning experiences by working with partners around the world to make sure they are effective.
       

      A man smiles in a classroom with engaged students.

       

       

      The work you do transforms the lives of your learners. That's why your thoughts, feelings, ideas and outcomes are at the heart of our products and services. They're also part of how we design and improve them. So we can support you to help your learners be the best they can be.


      We want our products to have the greatest impact. That's why we monitor and measure their outcomes on teaching, learning and assessment. We do this in real classrooms around the world.

       

      Understanding what works for our teachers and learners

      We're committed to understanding the impact of our products. This includes their impact on learners, teachers, and the wider education system. That's why we conduct impact monitoring and evaluation at all levels. We want to know about their impact in the classroom, and to the education system as a whole.

      We collect data from a variety of stakeholders. This includes learners, parents, teachers, decision-makers, Ministries of Education, higher education institutions, and employers. We gather our impact evidence from a number of sources. For example, from surveys, learner performance data and classroom observations. We also look at learner diaries, and gather stakeholder insights.

      This helps us to get a full picture of the impact of our products throughout the learning journey. This means we can make sure that they are having the biggest possible impact on learners in the future.

       


      Impact by design

      We use our Impact by Design approach to make sure our products have a positive impact on our customers from the start.  


      Our English language learning and assessment products are created with their intended positive impact in mind. We then monitor and evaluate them on an ongoing basis. This delivers real benefits for learners and teachers.
       

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      Impact by design cycle
       

      Cambridge English Impact Framework

      We use the Cambridge English Impact Framework to carry out our monitoring and evaluation. The framework covers three key areas: Learning, Teaching and Assessment.

      We focus on multiple points within these areas when monitoring impact. These include:

      • Motivation and engagement
      • Learner and teacher confidence
      • Improvement in English language proficiency
      • Learning gains

       

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      Improving learning and assessment

      The data that we collect lets us improve our products and provide a better experience for our learners and teachers.

      Because every educational setting is different, we provide practical recommendations tailored to the unique needs of our users. For example, when working with schools we may suggest ways of refining teaching methods, adjusting learning materials, or adapting different assessment strategies.

      Our recommendations empower educators with practical, context-specific solutions that lead to better learning and assessment outcomes. Our commitment is to use the data that we collect to make positive changes in the classroom.
       

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      Our world is changing fast. We need to prepare students with skills and experiences beyond simply learning English.​

      Developing skills through English

      Our world is changing fast. We need to prepare students with skills and experiences beyond simply learning English.

      Our research-backed resources, frameworks and products support learners to develop skills for life. These include those they need to achieve their goals. For example, we support learners with wellbeing and emotional development. We also cover employability, creative and critical thinking, and communication skills.
       

      We have dedicated, in-house research teams. Our experts specialise in language learning, assessment and educational research for English.

      Cambridge Life Competencies Framework

      Why do we need a Life Competencies Framework?

      Our world is changing fast and we need to prepare our students with the skills and experiences that go beyond simply learning an additional language. At Cambridge, we understand that the engaging and collaborative nature of the language classroom is the perfect place to develop and embed these key qualities.

      We're working with educators to understand how these skills – Cambridge Life Competencies – can integrate seamlessly into your English language programme.

      Download our introductory guide
       

      What does the Cambridge Life Competencies Framework look like?

      The Framework outlines six key areas of competency that are important for development: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Learning to Learn, Communication, Collaboration, Social Responsibilities.

      These competency areas are linked to three foundation layers – emotional development, digital literacy and subject knowledge. The Framework gives a complete view of transferable skills, all detailed within one system, and shows how these skills develop across different stages of the learning journey.

      By clearly defining these core areas of development we can ensure that our teaching and learning materials take a comprehensive approach to delivering and developing these skills in our learners as they progress. This means that teachers can be assured that our resources bring out the best in their students.

       

      Cambridge Life Competencies Framework

      How do we use it in our products?

      The Framework is used as a basis for our curriculum design. We write classroom activities that bring out key skills such as collaboration and critical thinking in our learners, alongside teaching them about language more generally. 

      This means that our activities enable learners to develop these skills without teachers having to completely change their approach or do anything extra.

       

       

       

      How does it benefit learners and teachers?

      The Framework describes how these integral life skills vary across different stages of education, as learners grow and change. This means we understand what learners need to do to progress and develop.

      Each broad competency is broken down into 'Can Do' statements that describe the observable behaviours that learners are likely to be able to demonstrate by the end of each stage of learning. This enables us to support learners right through their learning journey and into their future careers.

      How did we develop it?

      Our research-driven perspective combined with knowledge from classroom practice has helped us create a framework that is rigorous and robust. Our extensive analysis of existing approaches to life skills combined with input from educators from around the world means that the Cambridge Life Competencies Framework fits seamlessly into your language classroom in a useful and practical way.
       

      See more

      The Competencies

      What do you need to know?

      The Cambridge Life Competencies Framework helps us to structure how we introduce these skills to our learners.

      Find out more about each skill area by downloading the competency-specific guides below. Or, if you prefer to focus on a particular stage of learning, please choose the booklet that best reflects the age that you teach.

       

          

         Cambridge Life Competencies: An Introduction

         Read online

       

       

      Download your free pack of activity cards for use in the classroom, including adaptations for online learning

      We’ve created a pack of cards for each stage of learning, and each individual card tackles a component from one of the core Cambridge Life Competencies. The activities are designed for you to use together with your coursebook or teaching materials. Use them to tweak or supplement tasks, and seamlessly integrate the development of learners’ life competencies into your teaching practice.

      Competency-specific guides

      Digital Literacy

      Collaboration

      Communication

      Critical Thinking

      Creative Thinking

      Emotional Development

      Learning to Learn

      Social Responsibilities

      The framework in action: a case study

      This booklet will showcase how Giga International House, a language school in Catania, has integrated the Cambridge Life Competencies Framework into teaching programmes and the impact this has had on both students and the academic team.
       

          

         Cambridge Life Competencies: A case study of how one language school has integrated the framework

         Read online

       

      We have dedicated, in-house research teams. Our experts specialise in language learning, assessment and educational research for English.

        Shaping the future

        We shape the future of learning and assessing English. We do this by combining innovation, our university partnership and the breadth and depth of our research.

        Storytelling image

        Our expertise

        We have dedicated, in-house research teams. Our experts specialise in language learning, assessment and educational research for English.

        We also work with leading experts within the University of Cambridge and beyond.

        Storytelling image

        Driving innovation​​

        Learning, teaching and assessing English will always evolve. We’re committed to being at the ​forefront of change.​

        Our experts use research to harness the power of digital advancements, like AI. This helps us create the best and most ethical learning experiences possible.

        Our expertise

        We have dedicated, in-house research teams. Our experts specialise in language learning, assessment and educational research for English.

        They conduct research and develop innovative tools, frameworks and resources. These help us to better understand and support teaching, learning and assessment.

        Learning, teaching and assessing English will always evolve. We're committed to being at the forefront of change.

        Driving innovation

        Learning, teaching and assessing English will always evolve. We're committed to being at the forefront of change. 



        Our experts use research to harness the power of digital advancements, like AI. This helps us create the best and most ethical learning experiences possible.

         

        Advances in technology

        We live in a time of change with the emergence of AI and other technological breakthroughs. We make sure, through research, that we integrate any new technology in our products where it adds value to the learning experience. 
         

        We offer the latest in assessments that are authentic to real-life English. They align with the CEFR and accurately identify the progress that learners make.

        The latest in assessments​

        Backed by our research, you can be confident that our assessments are of the highest quality. You also know that they're fair, and are reliable.​

        We offer the latest in assessments that are authentic to real-life English. They align with the CEFR and accurately identify the progress that learners make.
         

        We're committed to EDIB


        As a global test provider, we are committed to the principles of EDIB (Equality, diversity, inclusion, belonging). This is reflected in our assessments. Content is not exclusive to any particular culture or stage of learning. We also work closely with local hubs to ensure that our tests are delivered consistently.

        We have dedicated, in-house research teams. Our experts specialise in language learning, assessment and educational research for English.

          Our research papers

          By carrying out research into what works best for teachers and learners we make sure that everything we do is underpinned and improved by evidence.

          We deliver insights from cutting-edge research in useful and practical guidance that teachers can use in their teaching.

          Scroll down the page to see our full range of Cambridge papers.
           

          Cambridge Papers for English Language Education

          Unlock the latest insights with Cambridge Papers for English Language Education—your gateway to in-depth research and analysis in the world of English language teaching and assessment. Our papers provide the comprehensive information you need to evaluate how our research and products align with current scientific thinking. Our latest research will help you stay informed, make evidence-based decisions, and contribute to the future of English language education.
           

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          Our Principles of Language Learning

          The design of our courses and learning materials is underpinned by the Cambridge Principles of Language Learning. These principles have been distilled from a wide range of research into second language acquisition, which analyses the impact of different approaches on language learning. From this research, we have identified key principles that form the basis of all our learning materials.

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          Practical outcomes of pedagogical research

          Our commitment to research enables us to deliver useful and practical guidance that teachers can use to promote research-informed practices.

          We develop frameworks and approaches that teachers can integrate into their teaching; they enable teachers to select the most relevant research for their own practices that is right for their students. We also publish research papers that provide insight into the research behind current issues and trends in ELT, practical ideas to implement in classrooms.

          We offer the latest in assessments that are authentic to real-life English. They align with the CEFR and accurately identify the progress that learners make.

          Generative AI and Language Education: Opportunities, Challenges and the Need for Critical Perspectives

          A year and a half after the release of ChatGPT, the first widely available Generative AI (GenAI) tool, Cambridge looks at the opportunities and challenges of GenAI in the English classroom.

          group of students collaborating on laptops in a classroom setting, focused on their work and engaged in learning.

           

          Along with some insightful background, the paper offers:

          • practical tips and guidelines for developing policies for classrooms around the world
          • essential principles to help you answer the big questions:

             ○  When should GenAI be used in the classroom?  

             ○  What are the concerns and risks around GenAI? 

             ○  How can we stay ahead of GenAI?

          •  the global context
          • a helpful glossary of key terminology 
          • a quick history of AI, which has its origins in the 1940's!   

          As the prominent philosopher and educationalist John Dewey noted, ‘You cannot teach today the same way you did yesterday to prepare students for tomorrow’. 
          We believe that with proper governance and preparation, teachers could empower learners to adapt and thrive in the new era of GenAI, making the education of the learners of today and tomorrow dramatically more equitable and enriching.

          Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Language Education: Insights from Teachers

          The focus of this paper provides guidance to teachers through reporting of research insights gathered from a global group of English language teachers on their practices and concerns around using GenAI. It also recommends a framework to guide language teachers in using GenAI in a principled and impactful way. 

          Key highlights include:

          • 71% of teachers use GenAI in their teaching, with 40% using it on a weekly basis and 31% monthly.   
          • 8 out of 10 (84%) educators believe that GenAI can usefully complement teaching and as such can be integrated with the teacher's role. 
          • 2 out of 3 (67%) teachers reported that GenAI provided them with new insights and perspectives they had not thought of on their own.
          • Educators expressed a strong desire for training and continuous learning, with 85% reporting enthusiasm to learn more about GenAI in the context of their teaching roles, with private school teachers responding most positively. 
           A teacher assists a student in using a tablet, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

          “ I use it every week to help with creating new activities and get ideas on how to teach certain topics” (private primary level teacher in Uruguay).  
           “...the role of a human teacher is necessary to draw out the humanness and not merely transfer knowledge which is freely available” (private secondary teacher and tutor in India, the UK and Malaysia). 

          The Role of AI in Language Learning: Research Evidence and Strategies for Success

          Learn how different types of AI enhance personalised learning experiences by creating customised content, supporting teachers in addressing individual needs. 

           

          Two children engaged with a laptop in a classroom setting, focused on their learning activities.


          This research paper delves into the growing impact of Generative AI (GenAI) in education. GenAI offers exciting possibilities to personalise learning experiences and create materials tailored to students' individual needs. 

          Our paper emphasises that AI should empower teachers - not replace them - keeping you firmly in control. Let AI be your support, enhancing your expertise while you remain at the heart of student learning.

          The paper explores how different AI tools are being used in education, covering:

          • AI as a writing assistant
          • AI as a conversation partner
          • AI as a personalised tutor
          • AI as a catalyst for motivation

          “Replacing teachers with AI is neither currently possible, nor is it the ultimate goal”.
          (Macinska & Vinkler., 2024) 
          “Of course, AI-based tools may provide an alternative where access to teachers is not possible, but we need to be mindful of the limitations of such tools".
          (Bastani et al., 2024) 

          Automarking in language assessment: 
          Key considerations for best practice 

          This paper explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English language assessment, focusing on the use of automarking systems to evaluate written essays and extended speech.

           

          It examines the benefits of automarking, including faster marking speeds, on-demand testing, consistent performance, and integration of learning and assessment, whilst taking into consideration the common limitations associated with automarking. 

          Find out more about the principles for the responsible development and use of automarked tests, advocating for a hybrid human/machine approach to ensure fairness and quality. The paper also provides a case study on the use of automarking in Cambridge writing exams, and how the principles are implemented in operational conditions.  

          The research reflects Cambridge’s commitment to leveraging AI while maintaining rigorous assessment standards. 

          Several people seated at desks, engaged with their laptops, creating a dynamic workspace atmosphere.

          “While it undoubtedly has an increasing role to play in language assessment, it’s important 
          to understand the limitations, constraints and vulnerabilities of automarking technology.
          Its implementation should be based on research, and our study highlights the importance of blending AI with the expertise of human examiners – it really is essential to keep a 
          ‘human in the loop’.”
          Dr Jing Xu