A portfolio is a collection of information that paints a portrait. In this collection of documents, you should represent what you have learned, your progress, and your accomplishments in this course. The development of the portfolio will provide you the opportunity for self-assessment in addition to furnishing a more long-term perspective of your learning.

Most documents included in the portfolio are results of activities that you would do in this class whether or not you were developing a portfolio; however, in the portfolio you will take a second look at those documents to ask and answer how these activities are useful in your learning. You will communicate the self-assessment aspect with a short explanation of the importance of each document (or the work you did to create the document) in what you did or did not learn.

The portfolio should include at least seven entries or documents. The table of contents should list the entries and briefly explain why they were included. Title each entry so it can be cited in the table of contents. After the entries you should include a summary of the whole portfolio reflecting your view of your overall progress and thoughts about the class.

The portfolio should be contained in some sort of folder, binder, or box. It should be done neatly enough so that you would enjoy showing it to others. Some ideas for entries would be documents arising from class activities, group work, homework, quizzes, tests, projects, readings, and anything else you think is appropriate. The basic grading criteria are: 1) you must include the required number of entries, 2) you must write a meaningful explanation of the importance of each document, and 3) it must be turned in on time.

[Most of the above information about portfolios came from Robinson, Donita. "Student Portfolios in Mathematics." The Mathematics Teacher 91:4 (April 1988), pp 318-325.]

You should bring a sample entry to my office before October 4; at that time I can give a little guidance and consultation. The final completed portfolio is due November 29 in class. The secret team is Buzz.