Portfolios

Portfolios can be of great value when used effectively.

A portfolio is a way for students to compile a collection of their work over a period of time. This allows the student to see their progress over time, and it is a great way for students to really see how much they are learning in school. It should be something each student is proud of and a way to show off their accomplishments. In addition, it allows student choice, so they have ownership over their work.

A portfolio can be very valuable for the teacher as well. When students keep a portfolio of their work, it allows the teacher to evaluate the student's growth and progress over time. I also believe that a teacher can evaluate her own teaching, because a portfolio should reflect the objectives that were taught. If it is a writing portfolio, for example, the teacher can easily see if the students understand how to write a specific genre of writing, or if the students can write a paragraph in the correct format. It can be used as both a summative and formative assessment.

Presently, I see a need for online portfolios so students can practice their 21st century skills at the same time as compiling their pieces of work.