What is a portfolio in the context of student assessment?

In the context of student assessment, a portfolio is best defined as a collection of various student works over time. This approach allows students to showcase their skills, learning progress, and achievements across different subjects and activities. Rather than relying on a single measure of performance, such as a test score, a portfolio provides a more comprehensive view of a student's capabilities and development.

Portfolios typically include a variety of items, such as writing samples, artwork, projects, and assessments, which together reflect the student's growth, creativity, and understanding. They can also incorporate reflections by the student about their learning journey, goals, and self-assessments. By using portfolios, educators can engage students in their own learning process and help them take ownership of their work.

This method contrasts with other assessment types that have a narrower focus, such as a single test score, which provides limited insight into the range of a student's abilities. Similarly, observational assessments or evaluation methods primarily based on multiple-choice items do not capture the full spectrum of student learning and creativity in the same way that a well-structured portfolio would.