Students are learning new skills, such as self-assessment skills, and they may require direct instruction in these skills. One of the most common concerns about portfolio assessment is the time required of both teachers and students. Undoubtedly, portfolio assessment demands more time than traditional testing. Students must spend time individually constructing portfolio and reflecting on their learning. Teachers and students need to discuss the portfolio process, often jointly determining samples that will be included and how the portfolio will be evaluated.
Portfolios are typically time-consuming for teachers to review and evaluate.
Usually this time must be taken away from other instructional activities. While this might seem to be a drawback, keep in mind that portfolio assessment enhances instruction and can become a source of new learning for students. However, expectations for other student work, use of class time, and teacher workload need to be adjusted accordingly. For portfolio assessment to be successful, teachers not only need to understand the elements of a portfolio, they also need to develop new skills in assessment and instruction. Such skills cannot be developed in a single training session.