Discusses the use of portfolio assessment strategies for more lengthy, complex, and authentic student assessments. Reports on an investigation to determine the effectiveness of portfolio strategies. Also discusses two group comparisons, student perceptions of portfolio assessment, and concerns. Concludes that portfolio assessment procedures…

This article describes how Webfolios are used in California Lutheran University's (CLU) education specialist credential preparation program. Sections address the benefits of using Web-based electronic portfolios, the CLU School of Education Webfolio system, specific uses by the education specialist program, and implementation issues, including…

Describes Portland State University's participation in the Urban Universities Portfolio Project, discussing how the partnership between institutional researchers and faculty members addressed important issues surrounding institutional mission and its relationship to planning, assessment, and accountability. (EV)

Provides a guiding framework for assisting preservice teachers in the development of habits of mind that will inform their personal best practice. Includes student-created working portfolios that inform and direct their learning and individual conferences, and which serve as an authentic assessment. (SG)

Presents activities based on readings from ChemEcology that incorporate student writing with thinking skills as part of a reading/writing portfolio. Helps students to develop a broader understanding of chemistry, the chemical industry, and the environment. (JRH)

States that teachers who view themselves as writers experience the same sort of mental changes that regular writers do. Explains that attitudes about writing change, and higher interest in all things relating to writing increases. Argues that keeping a portfolio of writings is beneficial in the development of writing skills, even in writing…

This article explains how to use learning-centered course portfolios to improve teaching and learning in the college classroom. It discusses how such portfolios can be used to document and assess the substance and complexity of teaching; connect assessment of teaching with assessment of learning; and foster better teaching and learning. (MDM)

Notes that portfolios have gained acceptance as a recognized tool in educational assessment and evaluation in many elementary school classrooms. Suggests that portfolio assessment be used in literacy methods courses for preservice teachers. Describes students taking an active role in learning about portfolio assessment, evaluation, and management.…

Discusses the development and implementation of an approach to studying classroom practice called "video visits," used in a research project on portfolios. Casts light on specific information about portfolio use and considers the possibilities and potential of video visits as a research tool. Notes disparities and reinforcements between…

Teachers can use professional development portfolios to facilitate learning and improve classroom practice. The article offers a history and description of professional development portfolios, sharing how teachers have used them and examining the influence of professional development portfolios on teachers as learners. Implications for staff…

Gives an account of how several English teachers in two different schools used portfolio responses to re-form the content of their classes. Outlines the positive effects of such portfolio-based course assessment and learning. (HB)

The two articles in this special section discuss the use of portfolios in large-scale assessment. Both describe pilot studies of portfolio assessment, pointing out pitfalls and advantages. If portfolios are to realize their potential in assessment and instructional improvement, teachers, students, and the public must receive better information…

How a jury of art evaluators can increase the reliability of its judgments was studied with portfolios from 58 art students in Hungary evaluated by 15 art teacher jurors. Results cast doubt on the reliability of juror assessments. Merits of vertical and horizontal scoring approaches are discussed. (SLD)

Surveys the wide range of uses of student portfolios in secondary and higher education. Suggestions include using the portfolio to cultivate reflective thinking about learning and as a document submitted with college admission applications. (DDR)

Discusses the implementation of a student portfolio project in two high school history classes. Presents background arguments for employing portfolios; outlines the creation and evolution of the assignment; explains the assessment and individual interview process; and assesses the success of the assignment. Includes the assignment requirements…