Diana Roth at Lanphier High School in Springfield, IL, uses portfolio creation and assessment as a way to allow students to demonstrate a wide array of competencies using authentic performance skills. This cooperative learning process works very well with a wide range of students -- from low performing to high performing. Below is an outline of a project requirements page (Roth, 2000) that gives the students the basic outline of the portfolio process.
This process allows Mrs. Roth to deal with a wide range of subject matter without having to teach it directly to the students. For instance, during the start of the process she will introduce during one class period, say, "Sound Waves" (amplitude, wavelength, frequency, etc.), and then have students work in small groups for the next five class periods on creating the portfolio relating to sound waves. She then provides students with a planning sheet in which students must align learning goals with activities. This forms the basis of the assessment. Actual assessment occurs with the use of a rubric. Students peer assess as part of the portfolio grade.
Creating Your Own Portfolio
Topics. List: Choose one from each category
Paper and Pencil:
Write your own quiz or test and exchange with another group.
Do homework problems
Report
Read a research article and write a critique
Make your own worksheets
Diagrams, sketches
graphs, tables
Write a Problem-Based Learning problem
Critique videos on the topic or TV programs
List everyday examples of ideas and concepts
Write notes from different sources (keep track) and give examples of concepts
Create a model
Write a story or myth, children's book
Make flash cards
Write an essay
Create a game
Research everyday examples and match to concepts
Write mnemonics
Write a song
Concept Map
Laboratory:
Experiment from a lab manual and make a lab write-up
Experiment from a lab manual and make a lab write-up
Design your own experiment and do it. Write the lab write-up.
Create a demonstration
Create Models 3-D
Project, design equipment
Technology:
Video-dance
song
Skit acting
Speech presentation
Demonstration
Interview with expertComputer -
ClarisWorks slide show
Kid pix
PowerPoint
Hyperstudio
Inspiration
3-d models
Electronic field trip
Internet notes and data
Create a web site
Program a game
CBL experiments (probes: light sensor, microphone)