What does a portfolio assessment involve?

A portfolio assessment involves gathering student work over an extended period to showcase their growth and development in various skills and knowledge areas. This method allows educators to provide a more holistic view of a student's capabilities, as it captures a range of assignments, projects, and reflections that highlight improvement over time. Portfolios can illustrate not just the final product of learning but also the process and the learner's journey, making it a powerful tool for formative assessment and personalized feedback.

This approach contrasts with other methods such as single exams or standardized tests that provide less insight into a student's overall progress and learning trajectory. By focusing on a compilation of work, portfolio assessments encourage reflective learning and self-assessment, fostering deeper engagement with content.