Portfolios: Making the Link Between Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Portfolios:

Making the Link Between Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Outline

• Definition of student portfolios… …what are they, what do they include?

• Why students portfolios… …for what and for whom?

• Adapting portfolios …types of portfolios …incorporating technology

• Technology & portfolios:

issues to consider

• General tips for success

Definition: Portfolio

A highly selective collection of a student’s best and/or evolving work over time.

…samples compiled by the student

…chosen to illustrate/document

Important aspects of learning…

…***placed in context by the student.

Student portfolios include:

• Work samples (artifacts) illustrating: -accomplishment -development -integration of knowledge

• Memos to accompany/explain artifacts “reflective memos”

“framing statements”

“context essays”

Student memos:

…hold the portfolio together and place

materials in context. Without this glue

the portfolio is just a collection of “stuff”

Possible Items:

• Accomplishment mathematical proof, identification of chemical unknown,

capstone research thesis, computer simulation, statistical analysis of data.

• Progress Comparison of 2 lab reports, 1st and final draft of term

paper, sample of writing from 1st semester Vs. sample of writing from last semester

• Integration of Knowledge ecological impact statement, journal entries, e-mail

exchanges on list-serve, case study analysis.

Accomplishment

• Work sample: computer simulation of genetic drift following environmental disruption in a plant community.

• Memo instructions: choose a project you’ve completed this semester that exemplifies “high quality”work. What makes it so? What obstacles and challenges did you face as you worked to complete it? How did you overcome those obstacles? If you could redo this assignment what would you change?

Progress

• Work sample: 2 lab reports—the first and final reports of a semester

• Memo instructions: revisit your first lab report

-how has your writing developed over the semester? What were you strong points when you entered the course? Your weak points? What steps did you take to improve? What were the two most important things you learned about lab write-ups?

Integration of knowledge

• Sample: senior research proposal• Memo: examine your research design in light of the

experiences you’ve had both in and out of the engineering program. What classes have you drawn o to develop your project? To write the proposal? Where did you learn the techniques you’ll need to successfully complete your project? What do you expect will be the biggest stumbling block…

Why student portfolios…

Encourage/develop:• “depth” of understanding• Reflective/analytical thinking• Integration of knowledge/perspective• Permanent / ongoing record

Why student portfolios…

• Teaching/learning tool for students & faculty• As an assessment tool… …student development …teaching effectiveness …program evaluation (e.g., accreditation, granting agencies)• As a resource for students… …job search …applications to grad / prof school

Some portfolio possibilities:

• Adjustment/freshman year portfolio

…general

…introduction to the discipline / major• Content –specific portfolio

…individual course• Capstone portfolios

…programmatic

…job search

The role of technology…

…for individual assignments/tasks.

(computer simulations, on-line tab notebook, generation/manipulation of date)

…compiling / presenting the portfolio.

(disk, CD, web-site)

…for assessment

(record keeping / storage, easy distribution to readers, easy navigation, communication with students)

Technology and portfolios:issues to consider…

• What are the goals?• What’s the time frame?• How savvy are the students?• Who has access?

resources issues

privacy and permission

Tips for success:

• Assign early• Build in incentives• Design assignments / entries to match class /

programmatic goals• Be specific in you expectations:

model entries, criteria for evaluation• Build in milestones• Be ready with technical support