The Portfolio-Based Classroom

Ms. Elaine Nachman, a classroom teacher, often conducts workshops on portfolioassessment in the context of writing and the language arts classroom.Questions for Thought: 1. What are some of the components of a good portfolio-based classroom? 2. Whatare some of the things teachers need to be aware of when they use portfolioevaluation? I. The Portfolio-Based ClassroomA. A print-rich environment B. Manipulatives throughout C. Bathtub reading spaceII. Guidelines for Journal Portfolio CreationA. Require legible writing B. Limit their topics C. Model what the child wrote D. Encourage sharing of writing E. Consider your responses carefully F. Response should encourage more writing G. Include other writing in portfolio H. Have child make a book about himself/herself I. Pair writing and artwork togetherIII. Advantages of Portfolio AssessmentA. Applicable to any age B. Allows teacher to gauge appropriateness of instruction C. Allows for "mini lessons" on problem areas D. Celebrates strengths and not weaknesses E. Children develop at their own pace F. Children aren't threatened

Guidelines for portfolio Journal writing

Ms. Elaine Nachman

1. Require legible writing -- the teacher should read the work with the student to be certain that the work is legible and that the meaning can be understood. 2. Limit their topics --in a single paragraph, students may want to list an array of topics rather than develop one, and since the ability to develop a topic is the long-term goal the number of topics for any one writing session should be limited. 3. Model what the child wrote --under the child's written selection, the teacher should rewrite the sentence or paragraph in correct form for the child to see. 4. Encourage sharing of writing --students should be provided with opportunities to share their writing by reading to the class or having their work read. Also parents and other teachers may become involved in having the written selections shared in report form in other classes and at home. 5. Consider your responses carefully --The impact of a teacher's casual remarks about writing can be quite drastic. The written selection is not only an assignment to the child, but a creative endeavor and teachers should consider the student's feelings carefully. 6. Response should encourage more writing --If a student's work is praised for content (if not for reasonably correct form), that student may then be encouraged to write additional sections on that topic. 7. Include other writing in portfolio --In keeping a portfolio for writing, you should keep examples of all types of written work (i.e. paragraphs, reports, letters, etc.). Multiple examples of each type of written assignment should be collected. Sign and date each selection so that the student's growth can be displayed over time. 8. Have child make a book about himself/herself --Students enjoy creating booklets about themselves, and these can be used both for portfolio assessment and in communication with parents about the child's writing. 9. Pair writing and artwork together --Artwork which accompanies a writing assignment can be used as both an additional learning opportunity as well as a reinforcement for completion of the written work.

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