11. Learning Portfolios: Creative Connections Between Formal and Informal Learning

How do you know what students in your course “took away” with them? Why not ask? Through a learning portfolio assignment, I invited students to show: how they met the course objectives; connections they made to other courses as well as aspects of their lives; and their views and perspectives about the course material and processes. They were asked to include tangible evidence, examples, connections, and reflections from all class sessions, discussions, and other assignments. They were also required to express themselves through a creative variety of styles and formats, including a concept map and a world map. What were their reactions to the assignment? Many noted that it encouraged them to think critically and that it was a fun way to show the links between the course and their own lives. Might you like to use or adapt some or all parts of my learning portfolio assignment in a course (any discipline) that you teach? Through reading this paper and trying the described activities, you will have completed your own mini-learning portfolio and explored methods of assessment