This type of portfolio system allows students to keep their homework and in-class assignments in one place so that teachers can easily assess student work at the end of a unit. Also, this portfolio system requires students to reflect on their work and think about how they can improve it going forward.
How to implement this system:
1. First, each student must have his/her own composition book (log book). As homework or in-class assignments are given, students are expected to complete the assignments in their log books in chronological order. They must also number the pages in their log books.
2. Second, about every three weeks or so, students complete a checklist which summarizes the assignments they completed, if the assignments were stamped, and on what page the assignments are found. Students then choose 2 assignments that they would like the teacher to assess and list them at the bottom of the checklist. Finally, students go through the process of self-assessment by answering questions such as: What are the strengths of your written work? What is an area that needs improvement? How could you improve your log book work in the future?
3. Third, the teacher collects the students’ checklists and log books and scores them based on the following (45 points possible):
Completion: The students earn 2 points for each completed and stamped
assignment.
Quality: The teacher chooses 2 assignments to assess, and the student
chooses 2 assignments for the teacher to assess. Each of these assignments
is worth 5 points.
Self-Evaluation: This self-evaluation should be 1 page in length and is worth
5 points.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
Strengths:
• Provides time for students to self-assess and reflect on their learning
•Student work is contained in one place
•Student choice
•Teaches organizational skills
•Removes grading pressure from teachers during the 3-week intervals
Weaknesses:
•Requires a large amount of teacher’s time to assess log books when collected
•Lack of student organization might be problematic
Examples