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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Student portfolios include:
Work samples (artifacts) illustrating: accomplishment development integration of knowledge
Memos to accompany/explain artifacts “reflective memos”
“framing statements”
“context essays”

5. Student memos: …hold the portfolio together and place
materials in context. Without this glue
the portfolio is just a collection of “stuff”

6. 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, exchanges on list-serve, case study analysis.

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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…

10. Why student portfolios…
Encourage/develop:
“depth” of understanding
Reflective/analytical thinking
Integration of knowledge/perspective
Permanent / ongoing record

11. 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

12. Some portfolio possibilities:
Adjustment/freshman year portfolio
…general
…introduction to the discipline / major
Content –specific portfolio …individual course
Capstone portfolios
…programmatic
…job search

13. 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)

14. 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

15. 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