Where do you suggest I start?

  • Starting with a showcase style portfolio and growing it into a learning style portfolio are probably the easiest as you become comfortable with the practices and routines it takes to build portfolios in the classroom.

Which type and style do you recommend?

  • With more access to technology, students needing digital competencies, and the current restrictions due to the COVID pandemic limiting authentic audience opportunities for students to share their learning, I would recommend using Digital Portfolios that are hybrid content style.

Can I use both physical and digital portfolios? And if so, how can I use them in a complimentary way in the classroom?

  • I have used both in the classroom. Students enjoyed creating both types and I was happy with the final product of both. However, I found they were repetitive of one other because they showcased the same work and growth. Parents appreciated the physical portfolio as a tangible record of their child's learning and school year; I, as a teacher really appreciated that the digital portfolio allows for growth beyond the current school year. I am still working on how to make them more complimentary to one another. (If you have any ideas about this, please share!)

I have limited access to technology in my classroom, what type of portfolio would you suggest?

  • If you have limited access to technology, I would suggest focusing on building physical portfolios with your students. The practice and value of the portfolio is just as powerful in this format.

How much time should I spend on updating and working on portfolios each week in class?

  • Regular updating is very helpful in keeping your systems feeling manageable and organized. It also helps to keep the learning through portfolio practice very fresh for students. I found 20-30 minutes/week in class to worked well.

How could you use student portfolios with Student Led Conferences or Graduate Presentations?

  • Student portfolios are a great way to guide student's reflections and scripts for both SLC and Graduate Presentations. Having students' goals, curated work, and personal reflections in one easily accessible place makes these presentations so much easier for students to prepare for and present well.

Should we assess portfolios?

  • Portfolios can definitely be evaluated as a whole. I believe some of the benefits of using portfolios in your class for educators is that they can be of great resource to you when doing summative and report cards. Instead of just referencing grades, portfolios can help teachers reflect on and speak well to the learning and growth of each student as is documented in their personal portfolios.

What are your favourite apps or platforms?