Advantages and disadvantages of the ELP in primary school.

Before explaining the advantages and disadvantages of ELP, I’m going to explain that ELP is a personal document of languages that includes, as well as our record our record of formal qualifications, the experiences of language learning and linguistic experiences, out of the school environment or with other cultures.

As teacher, I think that there are more advantages than disadvantages when we use the ELP.

First of all, because due to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for

Languages) was established an order in the level of languages. I believe that the most important thing is that all the skills are organized and each European country shares the same system.

The ELP should have three compulsory components:

1.      The Language Passport, which describes a learner’s proficiency and competences.

2.    The Language Biography, which facilitates planning, reflection and assessment through the descriptions written for each language proficiency level from A1 (basic user) to C2 (proficient user).

3.    A Dossier, in which learners have evidence collect evidence of their developing proficiency.

The ELP also has benefits and advantages for teachers. They can benefit from using the ELP in class with their students because it is based in two functions:

1. The pedagogic function
2. The reporting function

The pedagogical function is based in making the language learning process more transparent for learners and to foster learners autonomy; For this reason, it assigns an important role for reflection and self-assessment. The ELP is engaging learners to share responsibility for the learning process, to think critically when they plan and evaluate their learning, and to develop appropriate target language use.

The reporting function completes information provided by official diplomas. This means it allows the owner to proof languages learning that has taken place during formal education, other courses and in the leisure time.

Nevertheless, from my point of view, there are some disadvantages too.

First, it's necessary a lot of responsibility from part of students, and maybe, not all students can meet this requirement. Another disadvantage is, perhaps, that ELP needs much time and sometimes we don't have enough time in class. Because of these limits, I have experienced that, sometimes, this plan fails in factual situations. In addition, there are countries which don’t pay attention to ELP, which causes mobility problems for other travelers.

However, despite the disadvantages, I like the ELP, and I think it would be a good project which I am able to carry out in class with my groups. Personally, I think that there are more advantages than disadvantages, and I think that my students will can improve and develop more their skills with the ELP, and this is the most important for me.