Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t7fkt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T09:16:39.575Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Language learner autonomy and the European Language Portfolio: Two L2 English examples

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2009

David Little*
Affiliation:
Trinity College Dublin, [email protected]

Abstract

This article argues that the Council of Europe's European Language Portfolio is capable of supporting the implementation of language learner autonomy on a large scale. It begins by explaining what the author understands by ‘language learner autonomy’, then introduces the European Language Portfolio and explains how it can stimulate reflective learning in which goal setting and self-assessment play a central role. It concludes by giving two practical examples that involve the learning of L2 English in Ireland, in one case by adult immigrants with refugee status and in the other by newcomer pupils in primary schools.

Type
Plenary Speeches
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Authentik (2001). European Language Portfolio/Punann na dTeangacha Eorpacha (Model for post-primary language learners; Council of Europe accreditation number 10.2001). Dublin: Authentik.Google Scholar
Council of Europe (2001). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [Available at http://www.coe.int/lang, section ‘Common European Framework of Reference for Languages’.]Google Scholar
Council of Europe (2006). A user's guide to the European Language Portfolio reference documents. Strasbourg: Council of Europe. [Available at http://www.coe.int/portfolio, section ‘Procedure for validation’.]Google Scholar
Dam, L. (1995). Learner autonomy 3: From theory to classroom practice. Dublin: Authentik.Google Scholar
Deci, E. L. (with Flaste, R.) (1995). Why we do what we do. New York: Penguin.Google Scholar
Frith, U. (1989). Autism. Oxford: Blackwell.Google Scholar
Holec, H. (1981). Autonomy and foreign language learning. Oxford: Pergamon. [First published 1979, Strasbourg: Council of Europe.]Google Scholar
IILT (2003). English Language Proficiency Benchmarks for Non-English-speaking Pupils at Primary Level. Dublin: Integrate Ireland Language and Training.Google Scholar
IILT (2004). European Language Portfolio (Model for primary learners of English as a second language; Council of Europe accreditation number 11.2001 (rev.)). Dublin: Integrate Ireland Language and Training.Google Scholar
Lantolf, J. P. (ed.) (2000). Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Lantolf, J. P. & Thorne, S. L. (2006). Sociocultural theory and the genesis of second language development. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Little, D. (1991). Learner autonomy 1: Definitions, issues, problems. Dublin: Authentik.Google Scholar
Little, D. (2001). We're all in it together: Exploring the interdependence of teacher and learner autonomy. In Karlsson, L., Kjisik, F. & Nordlund, J.. (eds.), All together now. Helsinki: University of Helsinki, Language Centre, 4556.Google Scholar
Little, D. (2005). The Common European Framework and the European Language Portfolio: Involving learners and their judgements in the assessment process. Language Testing 22.3, 321336.Google Scholar
Little, D. (2007). Language learner autonomy: Some fundamental considerations revisited. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching 1.1, 1429.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Little, D. & Perclová, R. (2001). European Language Portfolio: Guide for teachers and teacher trainers. Strasbourg: Council of Europe. [Available at http://www.coe.int/portfolio, section ‘Documentation’.]Google Scholar
Little, D. (2006). The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Content, purpose, origin, reception and impact. Language Teaching 39.3, 167190.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Little, D. & Lazenby Simpson, B. (2004). Case study 1: Using the CEF to develop an ESL curriculum for newcomer pupils in Irish primary schools. In Morrow, K. (ed.), Insights from the Common European Framework. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 91108.Google Scholar
Little, D., Ridley, J. & Ushioda, E. (2002). Towards greater learner autonomy in the foreign language classroom (Report on an Irish research-and-development project 1998–2001). Dublin: Authentik.Google Scholar
Salmon, P. (1998). Life at school: Education and psychology. London: Constable.Google Scholar
Ushioda, E. (1996). Learner autonomy 5: The role of motivation. Dublin: Authentik.Google Scholar
Ushioda, E. & Ridley, J. (2002). Working with the European Language Portfolio in Irish post-primary schools: Report on an evaluation project (CLCS Occasional Paper 61). Dublin: Trinity College, Centre for Language and Communication Studies. [Available at http://www.tcd.ie/slscs/clcs, section ‘Featured research, European Language Portfolio’.]Google Scholar