When you hear the word "assessment" you probably think of tests, especially paper and pencil. Recently there has been a shift in education towards assessing students in more creative ways. One of those ways is portfolios. So, what is a portfolio? It is an organized collection of work in a folder, binder, file, or container that is used to prove students have learned specific content and succeeded with set learning goals and objectives. Portfolios are not one assignment, but are built over time and are used as evidence that students have made the progress expected of them.
There are a few guidelines to remember when using portfolios as assessment:
1. Students should know the expectations for their portfolio. Guidelines and goals should be clearly established.
2. A table of contents should be created so it is clear what will be present in the portfolio.
3. Deciding whether the portfolio will be electronic/digital, physical in the form of a folder/binder, etc., or a combination of both.
4. An important part of developing a portfolio is reflection and self-evaluation on the part of the student.
Portfolios are excellent to use with gifted learners. Many of the unique skills they exhibit are not often showcased on simple projects and assignments. Portfolios give them the opportunity to evaluate their growth and acquisition of knowledge over time, collaborate with peers on small group or partner work, recognize errors or make corrections once new understandings are made, work independently on personal goals, listen to feedback from others, and create items they can put their talents into and be proud of. Because of their advanced nature it is difficult at times to prove that a gifted learner has shown growth. For instance, if a student enters the year with a mastery of certain content that will be taught they would need to be challenged beyond their grade level curriculum. While other students are being introduced to the content, those with the necessary content knowledge could be working on portfolio assessments. The pieces of the portfolio serve as evidence that the students have the ability to apply their knowledge and show they are growing in a curriculum that fits their individual needs.
The benefits of using portfolios include:
1. Time management skills developed as the portfolio is completed over time.
2. Organizational skills are developed as the content is compiled in a logical way.
3. Students feel a sense of ownership as they take responsibility for their education. They connect to the process as they are actively involved in their learning.
4. Students can create various products that show evidence they have learned the content. Such products include: written samples such as poems, journal entries, plays, reflections, songs and lyrics, audio files, music, videos, photographs, games, created websites, artwork such as drawings, sketches, and paintings, inventions and original ideas.
5. Can be shared with others.
6. Something created by the student that they can be proud of. Student choice creates a sense of pride.
7. Shows progress over time.
Resources Used:
McDonald, E. (2011). The new teacher advisor: Student portfolios as an assessment tool. Retrieved from: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/columnists/mcdonald/mcdonald025.shtml
Portfolios for student growth: An overview and teacher/staff guide: "Everything you need to know." Retrieved from: https://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc_center/information_and_resources/info_to_go/transition_to_adulthood/portfolios_for_student_growth.html
There are a few guidelines to remember when using portfolios as assessment:
1. Students should know the expectations for their portfolio. Guidelines and goals should be clearly established.
2. A table of contents should be created so it is clear what will be present in the portfolio.
3. Deciding whether the portfolio will be electronic/digital, physical in the form of a folder/binder, etc., or a combination of both.
4. An important part of developing a portfolio is reflection and self-evaluation on the part of the student.
Portfolios are excellent to use with gifted learners. Many of the unique skills they exhibit are not often showcased on simple projects and assignments. Portfolios give them the opportunity to evaluate their growth and acquisition of knowledge over time, collaborate with peers on small group or partner work, recognize errors or make corrections once new understandings are made, work independently on personal goals, listen to feedback from others, and create items they can put their talents into and be proud of. Because of their advanced nature it is difficult at times to prove that a gifted learner has shown growth. For instance, if a student enters the year with a mastery of certain content that will be taught they would need to be challenged beyond their grade level curriculum. While other students are being introduced to the content, those with the necessary content knowledge could be working on portfolio assessments. The pieces of the portfolio serve as evidence that the students have the ability to apply their knowledge and show they are growing in a curriculum that fits their individual needs.
The benefits of using portfolios include:
1. Time management skills developed as the portfolio is completed over time.
2. Organizational skills are developed as the content is compiled in a logical way.
3. Students feel a sense of ownership as they take responsibility for their education. They connect to the process as they are actively involved in their learning.
4. Students can create various products that show evidence they have learned the content. Such products include: written samples such as poems, journal entries, plays, reflections, songs and lyrics, audio files, music, videos, photographs, games, created websites, artwork such as drawings, sketches, and paintings, inventions and original ideas.
5. Can be shared with others.
6. Something created by the student that they can be proud of. Student choice creates a sense of pride.
7. Shows progress over time.
Resources Used:
McDonald, E. (2011). The new teacher advisor: Student portfolios as an assessment tool. Retrieved from: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/columnists/mcdonald/mcdonald025.shtml
Portfolios for student growth: An overview and teacher/staff guide: "Everything you need to know." Retrieved from: https://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc_center/information_and_resources/info_to_go/transition_to_adulthood/portfolios_for_student_growth.html