What Is the Rationale of a Portfolio?

Portfolios demonstrate work history and aptitude.

Portfolios have long been a tool within the art and business world. Although little research has been conducted on the consequences of portfolios in education, many teachers have employed them in the classroom and found them to be greatly beneficial.

Proficiency

Portfolios demonstrate specific skills or areas of expertise much more precisely and reliably than resumes or school grades. They can be used to assess aptitude, allowing managers to delegate tasks to the most capable employees, and allowing teachers to tailor a specific student's coursework.

Progress

Portfolios can be used to demonstrate progress over time. This is especially relevant to student portfolios, because they can communicate a student's progress very clearly to those outside the classroom.

Career Value

In many fields, professionals with a strong portfolio are much more likely to be considered for a position than those with a weak or nonexistent portfolio. Students who graduate with a portfolio have the opportunity to use it to their benefit. They can give students an edge in college admission, pursuit of scholarships and job seeking.

References

• electronicportfolios.com: The Research on Portfolios in Education
• The Journal: Portfolios: A New Wave in Assessment
• TeacherVision: Introduction to Portfolios
• Quint Careers: Your Job Skills Portfolio

Resources

• Andersen Library: Portfolios in Education