What defines a portfolio assessment?

A portfolio assessment is defined as a collection of students' work that showcases their learning progress, achievements, and skills over a period of time. This method allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities through various formats, such as projects, essays, artwork, presentations, and more. By compiling their work, students can provide evidence of their learning journey, reflect on their experiences, and showcase their best efforts. This approach emphasizes growth and the process of learning rather than focusing solely on a one-time performance or standardized testing.

In contrast, the other options represent traditional assessment methods that do not provide the same depth of insight into a student’s overall abilities or learning process. For example, a test with multiple-choice questions assesses knowledge at a specific point in time but does not capture the breadth of student work. Similarly, a single timed examination evaluates performance under specific conditions and does not reflect ongoing growth. A series of quizzes, while helpful for gauging understanding in smaller increments, still lacks the holistic view provided by a portfolio. Therefore, the collection of students' work stands out as the defining feature of a portfolio assessment.