This article highlights reflections from two students on the work they did for the precalculus portfolio. Their reflections discussed how they were relieved and thankful that they understood the math at hand. They felt more confident then than they would have if they had not done such a task. These are the things teachers need to see. It is very difficult to understand a students feelings on math if they do not get the chance to express them.
Many students have difficulty revealing there true thoughts in an oral fashion.
A portfolio is a way to open up a means of communication between the teacher and the students. A means that can have a profound impact on the rest of a child's life. Ms. Robinson's article did a great job of illustrating this. Without communication there is no education. When assigning a task like a portfolio the teacher must make it very clear to the students what is expected of them.