Creating electronic portfolios is proposed as an effective means to facilitate language
learning and writing in particular because it enables learners to monitor their own writing
process and to put into practice a multitude of writing strategies. Among the strategies
practiced, selfassessment, a key learning strategy for autonomous language learning, is the
less explored one. As such, this study set out to investigate how selfassessment was utilized
by two English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners when they were writing in their
electronic portfolios. The data were collected by virtue of the following instruments: a) semi structured interviews, b) an openended questionnaire, c) a selfassessment checklist, d)
learners’ journals and e) essays. The collected data were coded into three categories—the
learners’ general English learning background, the learners’ writing strategies, and the
learners’ selfassessment practices. The findings suggested that both EFL learners employed
an array of writing strategies—cognitive strategy, memory strategy and metacognitive self assessment strategy—to approach specific writing tasks. The results also revealed that
compiling electronic portfolios promoted learners’ selfassessment practice and thus
encouraged selfdirected language learning. However, the concern about the extent to which
learners could be involved in grading process was raised due to unfamiliarity and traditional
EFL teacherstudent power relationship.