Economics
Portfolio Guidelines
October 2002
[Portfolio Assessment Checklist]
Portfolio Objective
The portfolio allows students to demonstrate what he/she has learned about Economics over the course of the semester. Each portfolio will be individualized by the student to illustrate both what they learned and how they learn best. The portfolio should also provide the student with a permanent, accurate record of their learning.
Portfolio Design
The number of entries found in each portfolio is up to each individual student, but a minimum of six entries will be expected. Students may use course outlines and reading handouts to guide their decision concerning the topics that should be included. There should be a variety of entries, reflecting the different activities engaged in throughout the semester. In addition, students should remember that each portfolio entry must provide evidence that learning has occurred during the semester. If adding another item provides evidence that additional learning occurred, then it should be added. If it doesn't - it shouldn't. Items should also be placed in an order that clearly demonstrates each student's growth during the semester.
Portfolio Expectations
* Portfolio should include a table of contents, and the Student Portfolio Checklist.
* There should be a variety of entries, reflecting each of the different topics discussed throughout the semester.
*Items should also be placed in an order that clearly demonstrates each student's growth during the semester.
* Each entry must be accompanied by a caption that clearly explains what learning took place and how that learning occurred. Captions should be typed and well organized.
*At least one entry accompanied by an evaluation or comments written by someone other than the student or Mr. Sweeney.
* Whenever possible...
...entries should be accompanied by revisions demonstrating an increase in understanding about the topic since the work was originally attempted. Sometimes you may only want to revise one section of this item, while in other cases it will be more appropriate to revise the entire entry. If a revision is not included it will be the responsibility of the student to explain her/his rational for not revising. The original work should always be attached for comparison purposes.
*In addition...
...to the minimum six entries, each portfolio must include a student summary evaluating his/her learning during the semester. This document should comment on successful and unsuccessful portions of the student's progress and also comment on activities or readings the student found particularly valuable. The summary should be the last item prepared for the portfolio, as it should tie together all other entries.
Ideas for Portfolio entries
* Personal reflection journal entries
* Computer presentation.
* Class warm up exercises.
* Economic problem with analysis.
* Test Review.
* Revised quiz or test answers.
* Self-evaluation of previously completed work.
* Commentary (with revisions)
* Graphs with accompanying analysis.
* Current event analysis
* Unresolved questions about an entry or topic.
* Essay samples.
* Entries written specifically for the portfolio
*
Data response or essay questions of their own design along with appropriate
answers.
*A combination of two previously completed assignments into one portfolio entry,
synthesizing ideas when possible.
Remember the above is only a partial list. Students are encouraged to be creative!
Important Dates
Week of October...
2 Sample Portfolio Entries Due
Week of November...
Portfolio Progress Check
Week of December???
Portfolios due.