The Call to Write,Third edition

Chapter 23, Writing Portfolios

Chapter overview Looks at the use of portfolios, as well as their

benefits for students and teachers Looks at how portfolios are evaluated What to include in a portfolio Use of reflective letter, revised assignments Case study, including commentary Online portfolios

Benefits of portfolios for students Students may select which documents to present

for evaluation (depending on the requirements of that teacher or department).

Students show their instructor how they have handled writing and revising.

Students reflect on how they have developed as writers, students, learners, and people.

Benefits of portfolios for teachers Teachers get a range of writing at which to

look. Teachers can make fairer and more

accurate appraisals of student writing if they can read various types of writing.

Options for evaluation Sometimes portfolios are evaluated by one

or more teachers doing blind reading. Sometimes they are submitted to and

graded by the student’s teacher.

What to include in a portfolio Generally includes samples of various kinds

of writing. Your teacher will give you specific

instructions. Generally includes four or five pieces of

writing. Almost always includes a reflective letter or

essay.

Reflective letters The purpose of writing a reflective letter (or

essay) is to introduce yourself and your portfolio, and to persuade your instructor that you have accomplished the goals of the course.

Depending on the requirements, it might discuss choices made in selecting pieces for the portfolio.

Sample reflective letter See pages 669-670 for a sample student

reflective essay. The writer shows evidence of planning, with a

focused introduction, body and conclusion. The writer discusses her writing selections and

provides her reasons for her choices. She closes by commenting on what she has

learned and how she hopes to use writing in the future.

Case StudyPages 670-675 present a case study, which is a

collection of documents for one assignment, and generally includes:

A working draft Peer commentary Final version of the essay The writer’s explanation of how he or she worked

on the paper

Online portfolios While many students are doing traditional,

or paper portfolios, some schools are moving to electronic or even online portfolios.

Student Companion Website Go to the student side of the Web site for

exercises, chapter overviews, and links to writing resources for this chapter:

http://www.ablongman.com/trimbur Click on the textbook cover, and then

select Student Resources.