Students retain information longer by making emotional connections. Keeping a journal allows students to reflect upon the information and use higher-level thinking skills. Journal entries monitor a student's progress in the classroom. Ask students to write about the same topics at the beginning of the school year and again at the end. Changing answers will measure growth in their thought processes.
A progress portfolio teaches students to take responsibility for school performance and teaches responsibility and organization. A progress portfolio is usually a three-ring binder where students organize classwork. By organizing work, students create a study and reference guide. Teachers assess portfolios through random binder checks or handing out participation grades.
Sixth-graders are at point in their education where they're choosing an educational path, including extracurricular interests and elective classes. A career exploration portfolio allows students to explore a career of interest so they're better prepared to make decisions. Students can create a resume, explore pay, opportunities and pros and cons for that career.
Students can research a topic and record findings in a research portfolio. Having sixth-graders create a comprehensive portfolio about a topic introduces them to conducting research, a skill that comes in handy at higher grade levels.