Using Portfolios of Student Work in Instruction and Assessment

Abstract

The tern portfolio has become a popular buzz word. Unfortunately, it is not always clear exactly what is meant or implied by the term, especially when used in the context of portfolio assessment. This training module is intended to clarify the notion of portfolio assessment and help users design such assessments in a thoughtful manner. We begin with a discussion of the rationale for assessment alternatives and then discuss portfolio definitions, characteristics, pitfalls, and design considerations.