1. Krystal Sundstrom
Center for Applied Second Language Studies

2. A portfolio assessment is . .
.
 “a collection of a learner's work that
describes and evaluates learner
performance across various language
skills”
 So, two parts ―
1. Samples of language use
2. Evaluation of the samples

3. Who does what?
 Samples of language use
 Option 1: Teacher develops and assigns projects
 “write a story about your summer vacation”
 “record yourself introducing someone”
 Option 2: Student chooses samples of their
language use illustrating different functions
 Evaluation of samples
 Option 1: Teacher develops criteria and grades
assignments
 Option 2: Student decides when they can use
language for a particular function

4. Option 2
 Students take responsibility for their
learning
 Students become more self-aware
learners
 Teachers become coaches, not judges
 The „assessment‟ improves learning

5. What is LinguaFolio?
 An example of a portfolio assessment
instrument
 Provides a structure for learners to record
and reflect on their language learning and
cultural experiences
 Based on the European Language Portfolio
 Adapted for the U.S. educational system by
NCSSFL
 Uses ACTFL Guidelines
 Reinforces the 5 C‟s (Communication, Cultures,
Connections, Comparisons, Communities)

6. Focus on language
functions
 What you can do with the language
 Copy some characters and words
 Fill in a form with name, age, etc.
 Write a short note
 Write clear, well-organized texts for a variety
of audiences

7. LinguaFolio can help learners. .
.
 Evaluate their language
 Document and reflect on their language
learning inside and outside the classroom
 Inform others about their proficiency (as they
move between programs, seek jobs )
 Set personal language learning goals
 Empower learners to take responsibility for
their own language learning

8. LinguaFolio can help educators.
..
 Recognize student needs and motivation
 Develop culturally responsive programs
 Obtain information about learners‟ previous
language learning experiences
 Evaluate and document performance in a
differentiated way
 Connect student abilities to state, national,
international standards

9. What LinguaFolio is
 A formative assessment tool
 “Can-do” checklists
 helps learners see what they can do
 chart their progress on a continuum
 Self-assessments are supported by evidence
 student-selected work samples
 Helps motivate learners to set learning goals

10. What LinguaFolio is not
 It is not a test.
 It does not validate learner proficiency in
language.
 But it can be used along with other
formative performance tasks and
summative assessments to demonstrate
progress in language learning

11. Evaluating work samples
 LinguaFolio refers to ACTFL levels
 Each levels list subdivided into 5 skills
 Descriptors are in the form of can-do
statements for each ACTFL level
 Students have checklists in the form of
can-do statements for specific language
functions

12. Examples of work
 Written presentations
o Diaries, journals, writing logs, letters, reports, emails,
poems, stories, plays
 Media Presentations
o videotapes, audiotapes
 Oral Presentations
o debates, discussions, interviews, speeches,
storytelling, oral histories, poetry readings,
broadcasts
 Performances
o role playing/drama, reader's theater, choral readings
 Visual and Graphic Arts
o posters, cartoons

13. Resources
 LinguaFolio Online
https://linguafolio.uoregon.edu
 Center for Applied Second Language Studies (CASLS)
http://casls.uoregon.edu
 NCSSFL Linguafolio Overview
http://www.ncssfl.org/links/index.php?linguafolio
 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
http://www.actfl.org
 Council of Europe: European Language Portfolio
http://culture2.coe.int/portfolio