It is a collection of everything you studied and produced during a certain period of time (notes, homework, handouts, tests,etc.) In our school, it is produced every term (bimestre)
Why do I have to keep a Portfolio?
First and foremost, because it makes you an organised student. Organisation is crucial for everybody. It's much easier for you to see what you have been learning and you know exactly where to look for your material. Also, it is a fair way to evaluate a student's work throughout the semester, not on a single occasion like a test.
Will it be graded?
Of course. Every term (bimestre) you have to hand it in, complete, and you will be given marks.
Is there a way to organise it?
Yes, and to get full marks you have to follow the following rules:
Each portfolio should be in a folder (those with plastic bags inside) or a binder. Remember, organisation is crucial.
Your portfolio must have these sections, IN ORDER:
A cover page, with a title ENGLISH PORTFOLIO and your full name and class. You may also include an index:
1) CLASS NOTES: everything you write down (board notes, explanations, exercises, homework, etc. It must come sorted by lesson: LESSON 1, LESSON 2, LESSON 3, etc.
2) HANDOUTS: all the sheets of paper you receive: texts, songs, etc.
3) TESTS: all the tests taken + correction (don't forget to include the test correction)
4) VOCABULARY: the new words, collocations, expressions you learn. At least 20 (total) , all sorted by lesson.
Also, what is evaluated it the LAYOUT, which means that your portfolio needs to be clean, neat, organised and complete. Poorly made portfolios will be penalised.
If you fail to meet these requirements you won't get full marks. If you meet them all, great, you have all the marks! :)
Portfolios handed in late will be penalised.
Is it a "crazy idea" your teacher invented?
I wish, but portfolios have been used in many different places, especially colleges and universities as an alternative to traditional testing.
Some examples:
a) b) c) d)