1.

What is the ELP?

To understand the ELP better we have to consider two crucial elements:.
The Council of Europe, the European common framework.
The European Language Portfolio
Helps to develop language learning and intercultural skills
Facilitates educational and vocational mobility within Europe by
providing a clear profile of the owner's language skills Encourages lifelong learning of languages
Contributes to the promotion of democratic citizenship in Europe
-Contributes to mutual understanding within Europe by promoting
plurilingualism (the ability to communicate in two or more languages) and
intercultural learning.
It is a sort of implementation tool for the common European framework
A document in three parts (language passport, language biography and dossier) in
which an individual can record his/her linguistic achievements (including
intercultural competence) to date. It has both a reporting and a pedagogical
function, which in other words provides not only evidence of achievement, but also
key information about the learning characteristics and preferred learning style of
the user/learner.
The reporting function addresses the concern of the Council of Europe to promote
individual mobility. (also called informative, record-keeping function). The learner
can show what he or she can do in other languages apart from the mother tongue
The pedagogical function is of value to the teacher by indicating approaches
most likely to be effective with the user and to the learner by raising their
awareness of what is happening in the learning process.
It involves the learner in the decision making, the goal-setting and the evaluation of
learning achievements
It encourages lifelong learning of languages
The language passport provides an overview of the individuals proficiency of the
different languages at a given point in time. The overview is defined in terms of
skills and in common reference levels of the common European framework. It
records formal qualifications and describes language competence and significant
language and intercultural learning experiences.
Linguistic profile
The language biography enables the learner to plan, reflect and assess their
learning process and progress. It encourages the learner to state what they can do
in each language and to include information on linguistic and cultural experiences
gained in and outside educational contexts. It is organised to promote
plurilingualism, for example the development of competencies in a number of
languages.

The dossier offers the learner the opportunity to select materials, to document and
illustrate achievements or experiences recorded in the language biography or
passport.

2.
Types of portfolio
According to David Little, by 2012 there were more than 120 models that had been
validated. In Spain there is one at different age levels. All these versions are in
paper format. There is one for children aged 3 to 7, another one for the second
stage of primary education, 8 to 12, then secondary education 12 to 18 and finally
adult education over 16.
The e-portfolio is only for learners over 14. See below
3.
Why use the ELP?
In the context of education it integrates the learning of different languages. In
terms of work it shows the candidates communicative competence.
In a more personal context:
it registers the learners language skills by collecting and displaying evidence of
what they have learnt
it helps them to overcome their fear of speaking in a foreign language.
It helps them to develop their autonomy and take their own initiatives.
4.
How can we introduce the ELP to our learners?
By explaining the reporting function, which might open the door to Europe for them.
By emphasizing the common European standards of proficiency
By talking about their own learning language experience
By showing them a sample of an ELP in progress
By engaging them in the project and assessing their progress through the tasks and
experiences they are going to have
5.
When and how to use it?
How to start:
The student completes personal information and sticks or submits a photo
Completes linguistic profile
Self-assessment and peer-assessment
Students start writing about their language experience
Examples of writing and speaking (students presentations / three truths and two
lies)
Planning common tasks on facebook after each of them ss should state what they
can do or what must
be done to achieve
the expected
standard
7.

The e-

portfolio