1. The Evolution of Using Portfolios to Assess Student Learning
Presented by
Kristen Buchanan
English Faculty and Portfolio Committee Chair
Peggy Rosario
Dean, Division of General Education

2. Presentation Outcomes
Outline the steps in developing an e-portfolio.
Describe how an e-portfolio can integrate assessment of general education .
Identify how gaps in curriculum can be identified by using an e-portfolio.
Recognize the challenges in implementing an e-portfolio.
Consider future opportunities for enhancing e-portfolio.

3. Original Portfolio Development
Ad hoc Portfolio Committee formed 2005
Graduation requirement
Focus: career and learning
Linked to Middle States Standard 12
Career components
Resume
Cover letter
Statement of beliefs about profession
Career goals
Mandatory requirements
Letters of recommendation
Learning components included 5 dimensions and 5 skills
Dimensions
Career readiness and personal management
Intercultural, multicultural, and diversity perspectives
Leadership
Responsibility to the community
Values and ethical articulation
Skills
Written communication
Oral communication
Critical thinking
Interpersonal skills
Computer, information literacy, and technical skills
Another key component was Exemplar

4. Assessment of Original Portfolio
Advantages
Linked to learning outcomes and career
Student reflection
Challenges
Advisor approval
No learning artifacts
Three-ring binder

5. Portfolio Revision Step 1: Standardize Assessment
Align assessment
Identify leaders
Create standardized rubrics
Identify assignments
Middle States: Written and Oral Communication, Scientific Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Critical Thinking (Ethical Principles and Decision-making, Cultural Diversity)

6. Portfolio Revision Step 2: Go Electronic
Choose e-portfolio platform (Chalk & Wire)
Build online environment within Chalk & Wire
Train faculty and students
E-portfolio platform: Researched current trends in e-portfolios and vendors that could meet our needs. Didn’t want to change too drastically from system that was already in place
Online Environment: Based on assessment--- create & enter rubrics, assign them to departments, attach to classes
Training: Written Guide, Live workshops, online guidelines

7. E-portfolio Advantages
Higher level of assessment
More accessible
Portable
Employer Integration

8. E-portfolio Challenges
Amount of work
Ongoing training and communication
Faculty buy-in
Student buy-in

9. Refinements Encouraging student reflection
Elimination of Exemplar requirement
Possibly using Blackboard instead
Academic portfolio may shift to Career Portfolio

10. Questions