A portfolio offers an alternative form of assessment of students’ capabilities independent of test-taking skills. A portfolio provides a clear view of the learning path that students have taken over time, while encouraging mastery of a body of knowledge and the skills needed to acquire it. Photographs and videotapes of presentations and activities, student and observer narratives, journal entries and project proposals should all be included in a portfolio.
Collect representative samples of students’ work. These should include descriptions of projects, photos, observer and demonstrator narratives, journal entries and documentation of any self-exploratory activities, such as surveys and interest inventories. In the journal entry, the student would relate what was learned to other knowledge and skills already acquired, and state how the experience might be useful in the workplace or college.
Sort out any duplicate entries. Do not include homework or seatwork designed for skill maintenance, such as worksheets. Stick to hands-on activities whenever possible, with the students responsible for explaining how the experience expanded their existing knowledge base.
Provide a checklist of skills applicable to each student’s age, grade and ability level. Make the students responsible for choosing activities which will demonstrate acquisition and mastery of each skill.
Provide opportunities to acquire skills not reflected by the chosen activities in the portfolio. Encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and challenge themselves to tackle complex physical tasks. Create a scoring rubric that reflects the effort expended as well as the skills acquired.