When we think of assessment, it’s easy to imagine a test or a rubric
attached to a score and letter grade. However, in many industries, from art to
engineering to marketing to programming, people demonstrate their proficiency with portfolios.
Similarly, students can craft portfolios to showcase their work, reflect on their learning,
and set goals for the future. Here are five ways to get the most out of student portfolios.
#1: Let students choose the platform. Some might prefer a blog. Others might prefer a website,
a podcast, or a series of videos.
#2: Encourage students to own the organizational structure.
They might organize things topically or chronologically. Or both.
#3: Have students reflect on both the learning process and the final products.
#4: Choose a variety of work, including their best work,
their favorite work, and the work that demonstrated the most growth.
#5: Don’t wait until the end of the year to start the portfolio process.
Integrate the portfolio project into your unit plans.
Take time out on certain days to have students select work and create reflections.
When portfolios are an everyday part of the learning process, students can showcase their best
work, reflect on their growth, and set new goals for learning targets. Here, students improve their
metacognition as they determine where they are in their mastery and what steps they need to take
in the future. Ultimately, this leads to deeper thinking and better learning.