Argues that, if portfolios are to be used effectively for formative purposes, they must be more than receptacles of work: they must invite students to be centrally involved in their own learning. Discusses what should be assessed, when it should be assessed, what kinds of information formative portfolios should provide, and who should be "doing"…

Used portfolio and teacher change literatures as frames for analyzing four teachers' use of classroom portfolios over a three-year period. Found marked shifts in (1) portfolio document; (2) ability to document literacy learning; (3) students' involvement with the portfolio; and (4) use of portfolios to drive instruction for individual children.…

Discusses problems with scoring reliability of the Vermont Education Department's writing portfolio test, particularly the difficulties teachers face in agreeing upon scoring criteria. (PA)

Teachers are receiving mixed messages about assessment. Encouraged to use alternative assessment practices, they are expected to express a student's progress in a single letter grade. Interviews with eight urban middle school teachers participating in the QUASAR (Quantitative Understanding: Amplifying Student Achievement and Reasoning) Project…

Provides an account of the instruction of university-level introductory physics courses using a framework characterized by curiosity-driven inquiry in science and science teaching. Describes the role of the instructor as providing students with the incentive to learn science through their pursuit of personally meaningful questions. Contains 25…

In a mandatory 4-week program, medical students assessed and managed the care of frail elderly with acute medical problems and disabilities. Web-based lectures with pre/posttests and electronic portfolio assessment were included. The experience was intended to promote reflection, interactive learning, and feedback. (Contains 24 references.) (SK)

Conducted an ex post facto study to test for differences in the quality of university student writing as reflected in years 1 and 2 and again in years 3 and 4. Findings from 30 undergraduate portfolios show no significant differences between early and late samples and no significant relationship between grade point average and writing quality.…

Addresses the traditional understanding of reliability as it pertains to writing portfolio assessments. Offers a list of practical actions that can be taken to increase assessment reliability, including explicit definitions of what a portfolio holds, rater training, rater burnout, and consistent rating procedures. (Contains 26 references.) (NB)

Electronic portfolios allow teachers to authentically assess student performance. Examines the creation and use of electronic portfolios and describes three electronic portfolios based on HyperCard that can be used in physical education classes to monitor student health fitness, sport skills, and other performance standards, and allow students to…

Describes the development and implementation of a professional development program extending through the school year to help teachers prepare for the state's upcoming portfolio mandate. Describes a powerful collaborative model of professional development that recognizes the value inherent in the shared learning that occurs when divergent…

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)