Portfolio Assessment vs. Traditional Testing:
* Focus: Traditional testing primarily focuses on measuring a student's knowledge and skills at a specific point in time, often through standardized, high-stakes tests. Portfolio assessment, on the other hand, focuses on showcasing student growth, progress, and self-reflection over an extended period. It emphasizes the *process* of learning as much as the product.
* Evidence: Traditional tests rely on limited evidence, typically single scores from multiple-choice, short-answer, or essay questions. Portfolios gather diverse evidence, including student work samples (drafts, revisions, final products), self-reflections, peer feedback, teacher evaluations, and other relevant artifacts. This provides a much richer and more comprehensive picture of student learning.
* Nature of Assessment: Traditional tests are usually summative, offering a snapshot of achievement at a particular moment. Portfolio assessments can be both formative (ongoing feedback and improvement) and summative (final evaluation of achievement). The ongoing nature allows for more meaningful feedback and adjustments to learning.
* Student Involvement: Traditional testing often involves passive student participation. Portfolio assessment actively engages students in the process of selecting, reflecting upon, and presenting their work, fostering self-directed learning and metacognition.
Portfolio Assessment vs. Other Authentic Assessment Methods:
While both portfolio and other authentic assessments (like performance tasks, projects, and exhibitions) value real-world application and demonstrate learning through doing, they differ in:
* Scope and Timeframe: Other authentic assessments usually focus on a specific skill or task completed within a defined time frame. Portfolios offer a broader, longer-term view of student learning, integrating multiple pieces of evidence across time.
* Complexity and Organization: While other authentic assessment methods can be complex, portfolios require a specific organization and thoughtful selection of artifacts to demonstrate growth and learning. The process of curating and reflecting on the collection is a critical part of the assessment.
* Emphasis on Self-Reflection: While some authentic assessment methods may include self-reflection, it's a central and defining element of portfolio assessment. Students actively analyze their work, identify strengths and weaknesses, and articulate their learning journey.
In summary: Traditional testing offers a narrow snapshot of knowledge, while portfolio assessment provides a holistic and longitudinal view of student learning. Other authentic methods demonstrate learning through action, but portfolios integrate multiple pieces of evidence over time, emphasizing self-reflection and showcasing growth. The key distinction is the long-term, self-directed, and reflective nature of portfolio assessment that provides a richer understanding of the student's learning journey.