Advantages and disadvantages of ELP in secondary school

On the one hand, the informative function of ELP gives us an overview about the language learning and knowledge of our students. In my opinion, that is the first step to know how is our student´s language situation. On the other hand, this information may not be certainly true because is given by the students, and maybe the fear of having a less level in language than their classmates can lead them to lying, specially in teens.

About the pedagogical function of the Portfolio there can be as many advantages as disadvantages. It may lead the students to improve their level in foreign languages, increase their cultural knowledge and establish a self-learning space. However, this work way (self-learning) and its rewards depends on the own students, and sometimes their interest on this can be too low.

As far as I am concerned, the ELP is a useful tool both for teachers and students. Firstly, the master can design their teaching proccess adapted to their student ´s needs, and the second ones can have a reflective vision in language matter. It´s true that have the risk of every implement of autonomy learning proccess: not completely proven information, doubts and specific needs. But I think that it´s important to direct the education towards this self-assessment, particularly in secondary school, and the ELP is a fantastic way to start.