Student Assessment in Languages using Web Portfolios
Abstract:
We will select 15 students to create web portfolios as part of their study of another language. These students will use iWebfolio, a commercial product, to create these online portfolios. Some of these individuals will be first-year students; others will be further along in their college career. We are interested in exploring the usefulness of two types of portfolios: course portfolios and discipline portfolios.
The course portfolio is process oriented and will tell a story about the growth of the learner in a particular course. Students will be asked to upload drafts and final versions of their work in a specific language or literature course. At the end of the course they will be asked to reflect on how they have grown in their understanding and knowledge of the subject matter. This may be accomplished through a questionnaire or a short reflective essay.
The discipline portfolio is product oriented and it will be based on the ACTFL proficiency levels for reading, writing, listening and speaking. The individuals who are first-year students will be asked to upload examples of their work which demonstrate an attainment of a certain skill level. This will begin what will turn into a four year portfolio in which these students will continue to document their progress through the various skill levels.
Students, who participate will be required to give us access to their web portfolios. We will organize a colloquium for the Modern Language Departments of the Ohio 5 at the end of the year. Our participating students will be asked to attend this meeting.
We will meet right before classes begin to review the structure of iWebfolio and to determine which assignments will be uploaded for each type of portfolio. After students arrive, Cheryl Johnson will meet with the participating students to make sure that they understand how to create their portfolios. During the year, we will meet as necessary to make sure that the project stays on track. Our final meeting will be to prepare for the colloquium.
Cheryl Johnson, Gary Baker and Susan Paun de Garcia (Denison)
Clara Roman-Odio (Kenyon)