ELP: Recording learners’ self assessment

Introduction to The European Language Portfolio (ELP)

The European Language Portfolio (ELP) is a tool developed by the Council of Europe to support language learning and intercultural awareness across Europe. It helps learners record their language skills, learning experiences, and cultural encounters, providing both a personal record of progress and a framework for self-assessment.

The ELP has three main components:

1. Language Passport – A summary of the learner’s language skills in relation to the CEFR levels. It provides an internationally comparable profile that can be shared with schools, universities, or employers.
2. Language Biography – A space for learners to reflect on their goals, strategies, and progress in language learning, as well as their experiences with different cultures.
3. Dossier – A collection of the learner’s own work (such as essays, projects, or certificates) that demonstrates their language achievements.

For trainers and teachers, the ELP is relevant because it:

• Encourages learners to take ownership of their learning through reflection and goal-setting.
• Reinforces the use of CEFR descriptors in evaluating language ability.
• Provides a practical link between classroom learning and real-world application of language skills.
• Serves as a tool for formative assessment and learner motivation.
• Promotes intercultural competence, a key aspect of language education today.

The ELP is not an exam or a certificate, but a personal record and learning aid. By integrating it into training and teaching practice, educators can foster learner autonomy, highlight the value of lifelong language learning, and strengthen the connection between language skills and broader personal development.

Steps for Schools to Implement the ELP

Step 1: Introduce the ELP to Staff

• Train teachers on its purpose and structure.
• Provide examples of CEFR “can do” descriptors and how they connect to exam preparation.

Step 2: Adapt the ELP to Your Context

• Decide whether to use the Council of Europe’s approved models or adapt templates for your school.
• Ensure the content aligns with your students’ age, language level, and learning goals.

Step 3: Integrate into Classroom Practice

• Use the Language Biography to set learning goals at the start of term.
• Encourage learners to self-assess regularly using CEFR descriptors.
• Use the Dossier for collecting projects, recordings, writing samples, and certificates.

Step 4: Monitor and Support

• Provide regular feedback on learner reflections.
• Help students make connections between classroom work and their ELP entries.
• Encourage peer-assessment and intercultural sharing activities.

Step 5: Link to External Recognition

• Show students how their Language Passport can be used for applications to schools, universities, or jobs.
• Connect the ELP to Cambridge English certifications or other exams as proof of language level.

If you believe the European Language Portfolio (ELP) could benefit your school and students, click the button below to explore how to implement it in your context.

If you feel that the information provided on the Council of Europe website is not enough to implement the European Language Portfolio (ELP) in your school, and you would like support, Aprende ID can help. Our team specializes in training staff to integrate the ELP effectively. Please contact our solutions staff at: ventas@aprendeid.com or WhatsApp at 442 849 0157