Portfolios an Assessment Tool

Assessments are evaluations or judgments about something based on an understanding of the situation. In this case the situation being that of teaching and learning in the school system.

Assessment approaches often include Achievement Assessment, which is an umbrella term for all other forms or methods to determine the extent to which the learner is performing. One such type of assessment is Performance Assessment.
Performance Assessment involves standardized lists, an examination paper, assessment schedules drawn up by an external body. Normally written statements about how the assessment must be carried out, laying down how much time is available, what questions must be addressed and where scripts and projects are to be sent afterwards.

In the elementary school there are two major forms of Performance Assessment the National Test , as well as the Secondary School Entrance Examination .
Similarly Alternative Assessment is the title for performance assessments that emphasize assessment methods that provide an alternative to traditional paper-and-pencil testing. Oral questioning is a useful tool to check pupil’s prior knowledge and offers the opportunity to link teacher assessment and pupil learning. Similarly observations about individual pupils, events and interactions in the classroom can yield a great deal about student’s learning. Also the use of monitoring enables all children to benefit from the teacher’s help. Anecdotal records used when observing pupils in their natural setting direct attention to the performance to be observed.

Portfolios where students work has been selected and organized to show student learning progress can be either developmental or showcase. In developmental portfolios students select entries and maintain their portfolios. The learner can reflect upon such things as why the entry was chosen, what it illustrates, what was learned and what might be done to improve performance. Showcase portfolios only show samples of the student’s best work. Portfolio Assessment includes various types of independent work as well as assessment results; written comments, checklists, rating scales, test scores and conference reports made by the teacher.

The electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) develops autonomy, initiative and voice to students (2008, Belgard, Burke & Forgaty). These user friendly solutions allow teachers to meet the varied needs of students as well as develop their pedagogical knowledge. These digital portfolios are important ways to provide students with opportunities to showcase their achievements to teachers, administrators, parents and others.