Information covering important topics for today's educators and parents. This middle school teacher devised an assessment strategy that caught on with teachers of all subject areas. In my work with my own students, I decided that portfolios would be a collection of student work or artifacts that is self-evaluated and reflects the learner's skills and thinking. I emphasize to students that their portfolio should show growth in their learning. Building portfolios invites students to communicate with teachers, peers, and parents while increasing their confidence and self-esteem.
Students grow as they take responsibility for evaluating their own learning.
As I committed myself to using portfolios with my students, I realized that I had much to learn. I contacted teachers and area education consultants who had experience using portfolios. I gathered research articles that I would later share with other staff members and parents. These folders were kept in the filing cabinet where they were easily accessible to students. Initially, I assumed students would be able to reflect on and evaluate their own work with little effort.