What is portfolio assessment?
Quick answer
Portfolio assessment judges a student on a curated body of real work produced over time, rather than on a single timed examination.
Every NASCA student builds a portfolio across the year, assessed against a published rubric.
In context
For project subjects it is simply a better instrument, because it captures process, iteration and judgement.
It also survives the arrival of generative AI better than the take-home essay, since the evidence includes drafts, decisions and a defence.
In a NASCA classroom
Every NASCA student builds a portfolio across the year, assessed against a published rubric.
Related terms
Rubric
A rubric is a published table that sets out what is being assessed and what each level of performance looks like, so students and teachers judge work against the same standard.
Capstone project
A capstone project is a substantial final piece of work where a student applies everything learned across a programme to one problem of their own choosing.
Project-based learning
Project-based learning organises teaching around an extended, real task that students complete and present, with content taught at the point it is needed.