Portfolio-Based
The learning portfolio is a powerful complement to traditional measures of student achievement and a widely diverse method of recording intellectual growth.
Quote from John Zubizarreta, Columbia College, SC
What is it?
A portfolio or e-portfolio is an assembly of student work over a course or semester. A student’s portfolio is akin to a catalog of achievements and skills enabling them to demonstrate their experience and abilities. The most meaningful way to engage students in this is to have them select specific work with the goal of analyzing and reflecting on each. For example the instructor could require students to select the three best pieces and two weakest pieces of work over the semester, and comment on their choices and what they demonstrate of their learning. Additionally, in a course that has students developing multiple drafts or iterations of a work, students could be required to select the artifact that demonstrates the most tangible improvement (started off somewhat poorly and improved greatly) and comment on the process they undertook to improve.
The purpose of a portfolio is to provide instructors and students the opportunity to oversee learning development and improvement over time. By generating a portfolio of work, students can review and reflect on their journey through the various course assignments. As an assessment tool, a portfolio can show abilities beyond grades. Taken further in today’s job market, the portfolio can be an essential tool for employers to see firsthand the achievements, experience, and relevant skills of potential candidates.
Skills Promoted
- Self-regulation
- Knowledge management
- Self-assessment
Who's using it?
SALTISE community members who use this strategy and are willing to share advice and/or resources.
| Institution | Discipline | Instructor | Classroom settings |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CÉGEP ANDRÉ-LAURENDEAU Level: College |
Chemistry - Organic |
Access to YouTube Classroom size: 30-40 |
|
|
Dawson Level: College |
Languages (Contemporary American Fiction) |
Jeff Gandel |
Computers / Internet access Classroom size: 30-40 |
| Institution |
CÉGEP ANDRÉ-LAURENDEAU Level: College |
Dawson Level: College |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline |
Chemistry - Organic |
Languages (Contemporary American Fiction) |
| Instructor |
Jeff Gandel |
|
| Classroom settings |
Access to YouTube Classroom size: 30-40 |
Computers / Internet access Classroom size: 30-40 |
Why use it?
Benefits
Challenges
Benefits
The benefit of a Portfolio is it can provide a collection of student work over time. This provides the opportunity for students and teachers to better assess progress and demonstrate achievements by containing in progress and finished work. It can be an effect way for students to monitor and appreciate their own progress over the course of their studies. A portfolio used for assessment puts students in the position to reflect and self-evaluate their work.
Challenges
It is important for teachers to define the purpose of the portfolio to students. Parameters on what is acceptable work needs to be made clear. If not student contributions to their portfolios will not be the best reflection of their work. Some students may feel uncomfortable sharing work this way.
Ready to try it out?
Strategy Workflow
Related Activities
Helpful resources
References
Babcock, R. L. and Francis, R. W. (2018). Prior learning credit via portfolio: A case study of central Michigan University’s prior learning assessment program. PLA Inside Out: An International Journal on Theory, Research and Practice in Prior Learning Assessment..
Chang, C. C. (2001). A study on the evaluation and effectiveness analysis of web‐based learning portfolio (WBLP). British Journal of Educational Technology.
Cevik, A. A., Shaban, S., El Zubeir, M. and Abu-Zidan, F. M. (2018). The role of emergency medicine clerkship e-portfolio to monitor the learning experience of students in different settings: A prospective cohort study. International Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Clarke, J. L. and Boud, D. (2018). Refocusing portfolio assessment: Curating for feedback and portrayal. Innovations in Education and Teaching International.
Xiao, Y. A. N. G. and Hao, G. A. O. (2018). Teaching Business English course: Incorporating portfolio assessment-based blended learning and MOOC. Journal of Literature and Art Studies.
Zubizarreta, J. (2009). The learning portfolio: Reflective practice for improving student learning.. John Wiley & Sons.
Video
An example of an excellent ePortfolio – Mark Morton, University of Waterloo.
An Introduction to the Learning Portfolio – McMaster University, MacPherson Institute
ePortfolio Project – Mohawk College, Ontario
Learning Portfolio Showcase – Helen Chen Stanford University, MacPherson Institute
What is an ePortfolio? – University of Derby
Websites
Learning Portfolio Resources – University of Utah
Steps to Creating a Portfolio – University of Maryland
Teaching Portfolios – University of Saskatchewan
To Learn More
For more reading resources go to Articles and Books