Portfolio Types
Working Portfolios
A working portfolio is the collection or holding tank for all the materials that a learner may accumulate to use; it is work-in-progress.
Students are typically given a choice over what they present, with the portfolio containing items that could be used for several purposes.
All of the collected work is linked to the learning outcomes but after formative feedback, may be revised and selected from to respond to the assessment brief.
One important aspect of portfolio assessment is reflection across the collection to show what and how learning has taken place.
It is during this reflective, double loop stage of the portfolio development that selection should occur.
Showcase Portfolios
A showcase portfolio is a collection of the best work and may go beyond the particular module or course.
A student could collect work from across their degree course to use for employment or further study applications or professional recognition.
This version of the portfolio is usually a selection from the working portfolio.
Assessment Portfolios
The primary function of an assessment portfolio is to evidence what a student has learned and achieved against the intended learning outcomes.
Depending on how the portfolio is originally defined, this may be all of the work-in-progress portfolio or may be a selection.