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…

Shares freshman-composition students' stories about portfolio assessment (interviewing students at length three times during the semester), to examine ways students understand portfolios, how portfolios work, and why sometimes they do not. Suggests concerns relevant to implementing department-wide competency portfolios. Argues that community…

Reviews the use of tests with deaf students, especially reading-comprehension tests, noting documented differences in test-taking abilities of deaf and hearing students and specific compensatory test-taking strategies used by deaf readers. A rationale for including a formal test-taking skills component in the curriculum for deaf students is…

Explains the development of action-learning approaches incorporated into the Adult Education and Human Resource Development master's degree program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Discusses the linkage between action and reflection, the questioning of underlying assumptions, self-assessment of critical incidents, and incorporation of…

Alternative forms of evaluation can provide deep and powerful learning experiences for students. Explains how to implement portfolios as an evaluation tool and describes a problem that was successfully implemented in a second semester reform calculus class. (Author/ASK)

Performance-based (authentic) assessments include genuine, useful, applicable, practice-based, transferable, and demonstrable items. They include skills, knowledge, and attitudes that can be carried beyond the classroom. This paper discusses the importance of learning by doing, explains how to use performance-based assessments, and emphasizes the…