The Beauty of Portfolios

As you have probably guessed PC is not your common, traditional school. One of the many things that makes us unique is that very few professors give standard tests. The general feeling is that a students true understanding of the material is generally not reflected in the results of a test. Instead many classes ask students to construct a portfolio throughout the term. I'm currently taking a Learning Theories class and my professor has asked us to create such a portfolio. Believe it or not, it is a lot of fun! Within the confines of my green zip-up binder are the section headings: Class Notes, Research, Service Learning, Text Notes and Journal. This is such a clear and easy way to keep my info. organized and to begin to see the claims and connections where each section applies to the next. Twice throughout the term my professor collects the portfolio and reviews my learning. She can get a more comprehensive view of the projects I am a part of, the work I am doing in preparation for the big research paper and my overall understanding of the material. The portfolio also acts as the foundation for how my professor will evaluate me at the end of the class. I see this form of educational presentation to be much more representative of the things I have learned and how I have personally grow as a result of the class. GROOVY!