EPOSTL Descriptors

SUBCATEGORIES AND EXAMPLES OF DESCRIPTORS (EPOSTL)

1. Context

1.        Curriculum

g. I can understand the requirements set in national and local curricula.

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2.        Aims and Needs 

m. I can take into account differing motivations for learning another language.

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3.        The Role of the Language Teacher

b. I can critically assess my teaching in relation to theoretical principles.

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4.        Institutional Resources and Constraints

d.       I can recognize the organizational constraints and resource limitations existent at my school and adapt my teaching accordingly.

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2. Methodology

5.        Speaking/Spoken Interaction

w.  I can create a supportive atmosphere that invites learners to take part in speaking activities.

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6.        Writing/Written Interaction

e. I can evaluate and select meaningful activities to encourage learners to develop their creative potential.

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7.        Listening

k. I can help learners to apply strategies to cope with typical aspects of spoken language (background noise, redundancy etc.).

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8.        Reading

f. I can recommend books appropriate to the needs, interests and language level of the learners.

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9.        Grammar

h. I can deal with questions learners may ask about grammar and, if necessary, refer to appropriate grammar reference books.

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10.     Vocabulary

c. I can evaluate and select a variety of activities which help learners to learn vocabulary.

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11.     Culture

a. I can evaluate and select texts, source materials and activities to make the learners aware of stereotyped views and challenge these.

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3.  Lesson planning

12.     Identification of Learning Objectives

j. I can set objectives which challenge learners to reach their full potential.

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13.     Lesson Content

l. I can plan activities which link grammar and vocabulary with communication.

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14.     Lesson Organization

s. I can select from and plan a variety of organizational forms (frontal, individual, pair, group work) as appropriate.

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4. Conducting a Lesson

15.     Using Lesson Plans

t. I can adjust my time schedule when unforeseen situations occur.

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16.     Content

n. I can relate what I teach to current events in local and international contexts.

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17.     Interaction with Learners

o. I can encourage learner participation whenever possible.

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18.     Classroom Management

bb. I can take on different roles according to the needs of the learners and requirements of the activity (resource person, mediator, supervisor etc.).

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19.     Classroom Language

q. I can use the target language as metalanguage.

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5. Independent learning

20.     Learner Autonomy

i. I can guide and assist learners in setting their own aims and objectives and in planning their own learning.

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21.     Homework

v. I can evaluate and select tasks most suited to be carried out by learners at home.

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22.     Projects

aa. I can plan and manage project work according to relevant aims and objectives.

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23.     Portfolios

cc. I can supervise and give constructive feedback on portfolio work.

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24.     Virtual Learning Environments

z. I can use various ICT resources (email, web sites, computer programmes etc.).

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25.     Extra-curricular Activities

ee. I can set aims and objectives for school trips, exchanges and international cooperation programmes.

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F.       Assessment

26.     Designing Assessment Tools

p. I can evaluate and select valid assessment procedures (tests, portfolios, self-assessment etc.) appropriate to learning aims and objectives.

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27.     Evaluation

ff. I can identify strengths and areas for improvement in a learner’s performance.

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28.     Self- and Peer Assessment

x. I can help learners to use the European Language Portfolio.

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29.     Language Performance

r. I can assess a learner’s ability to produce a written text according to criteria such as content, range, accuracy, cohesion and coherence etc.

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30.     Culture

dd. I can assess the learner’s ability to respond and act appropriately in encounters with the target language culture

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31.     Error analysis

y. I can analyse learners’ errors and identify the processes that may cause them.

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7. Resources

32.     Resources

u. I can identify and evaluate a range of coursebooks/materials appropriate for the age, interests and the language level of the learners.

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