WRITING PORTFOLIOS: WHAT? HOW? WHY?

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of portfolios as an alternative form of writing assessment. It proposes that writing portfolios should consist of a formative portfolio and a norma- tive portfolio maintained by students and teachers respectively. The learning benefits of portfolios are discussed, in particular the long term benefits of an emphasis on process rather than on product; the development of self-reflection which provides students with insights into their own learning process and thus encourages learner autonomy; the transferability of the skills learned to other areas of learning and disciplines as well as training students how to create portfolios which are increasingly required and expected in the “real world” by prospective employers. The paper concludes with a detailed look at how to create portfolios and introduces e-portfolios as a viable alternative to tradi- tional portfolios. Examples of portfolios by students taking an academic writing course in Nanyang Technological University will be shown.