Portfolio Assessment and Computerized Composition Instruction: Combining the Best of Both Worlds.

In the field of composition instruction, word processors can provide a new writing environment and a wealth of teaching possibilities. Integrating portfolio assessment and its benefits into computer-assisted composition instruction, however, is not easy. Recently implemented at Yavapai College (Arizona), portfolio assessment allows instructors to respond to student work that is still in progress without the pressure of applying a grade. Second, portfolios offer proof of learning by showing changes in skill levels as students move from one project to another. To test computer applications for the new portfolio assessment approach, three students from a composition class taught in a computer lab were chosen. They turned in their assignments on disks, with files indicating the various drafts of each assignment. The instructor/researcher then put his comments on the disk also. This arrangement also allowed the instructor to assign additional activities, such as sentence and paragraph review exercises and style analysis tasks to be completed on the disk. The project was not without difficulties, however. Continuous transfer and handling of disks can at times create record-keeping problems. Also, because students are required to keep a copy of the disk, the handing in of the most current disk can sometimes be a problem. New innovations in computer technology, such as electronic mail and other network systems, should address these problems. (Appended are a sheet on common characteristics of portfolios and a file index–sample student electronic portfolio.) (TB) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document. *

Portfolio Assessment and Computerized Composition Instruction: Combining the Best of Both Worlds “PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC).U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Oil ice ol Educational Research and Improvement EDyr CATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATiON CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. Dr. John H. Paddison Visiting Assistant Professor Department of English Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, Arizona 2 BEST COPY AVAILABLE Portfolio Assessment and Computerized Composition Instruction: Combining the Best of Both Worlds In the field of composition instruction, word processors can provide a new writing environment and a wealth of teaching possibilities. In this paper, I would like to discuss one such possibility which I have been researching–that is, how to integrate portfolio assessment into computer-assisted composition instruction. In this presentation I will summarize my attempts at combining the best of both of these educational areas at Yavapai College, a two-year community college in Prescott,