PORTFOLIO AS A TOOL TO IMPROVE WRITING SKILLS AMONG FIRST SEMESTER EFL LEARNERS AT A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN COLOMBIA

Abstract

This case study was an attempt to understand the perceptions and experiences of four first semester students throughthe use of FL portfolio as a way to improve their writing skills. Data were gathered through participants’ portfolios, interviews and one participant’s observations. Data were analyzed by using the interpretive analysis model suggested by Hatch (2002) and using MAXQDA10. The findings showed that Portfolios helped learners to improve theirwriting skills since they provide the learners and the teacher with different activities and strategies to improve their writing. There are some problems related to the correct use of portfolios.

Key words: Case Study, Portfolios, Writing Skills, English as a Foreign Language, EFL.