THE PORTFOLIO PROCESS
Documentation of the BVCTC General Education
Student Learning Outcomes
Adapted from “Making the Connection” – Overview of
the Portfolio Process – KVCTC – Donna Hastings,
November 10, 2005
Updated August 2014
What is a Portfolio?
• A collection of artifacts (purposely selected and
organized completed assignments or other
evidence) that document student learning for
the four (4) BVCTC General Education student
learning outcomes through a reflection paper
for each outcome.
What is included in the Portfolio?
• Artifacts (completed assignments or other
documentation from co-curricular, work, or
community experiences) that show evidence of
the four (4) General Education student learning
outcomes
• Reflection papers that support selected
artifacts
• Table of Contents
BVCTC General Education
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduating from BVCTC, the student will …
 Communicate effectively by listening, speaking, and writing using
appropriate technology.
 Use quantitative and scientific knowledge effectively to solve problems,
manipulate and interpret data, and communicate findings.
 Demonstrate interpersonal skills and ethical behavior appropriate for
living and working in a diverse society.
 Apply critical thinking skills to analyze problems and make informed
decisions.
“MAKING THE CONNECTION”
• Students will select artifacts (assignments and
other examples of evidence, including cocurricular activities, such as campus
organizations and athletics, work, and
community experience, such as volunteer work)
that demonstrate the four stated General
Education student learning outcomes have been
met.
• The student learning outcomes are further
clarified by performance indicators.
What is the Difference between a
Student Learning Outcome and a
Performance Indicator?
• Student Learning Outcomes are statements that
describe what students are expected to know
and able to do by the time of graduation.
• Performance Indicators are specific,
measurable statements identifying the
performance(s) required to meet the outcomes;
confirmable through evidence.
Example of a Student Learning Outcome
and Performance Indicators
Communicate effectively by listening, speaking, and writing
using appropriate technology.– This is a student learning
outcome.
– Reads, comprehends, analyzes, evaluates various writing.
– Logically organizes, develops and communicates an idea or
position.
– Adapts communications to audience, situation and purpose.
– Uses prewriting, drafting, revising and editing techniques.
– These are all examples of performance indicators.
Another Example
Demonstrate interpersonal skills and ethical
behavior appropriate for living and working in a
diverse society. – This is a student learning outcome.
–
–
–
–
Exhibits trusting and trustworthy behavior.
Exhibits confidence in self and others.
Recognizes the value of humor.
Empathizes with others.
These are performance indicators.
Selecting Artifacts
• Assignments for Developmental Education courses may
not be submitted as artifacts
• An assignment may be used more than once to address
different student learning outcomes
• Students may use course assignments from other
institutions of higher learning in the portfolio
• Student experiential (employment and community
service) and co-curricular activities are other activities
that may serve as artifacts that demonstrate
attainment of the General Education student learning
outcomes.
Artifacts
Examples of Assignments
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Essays
Book reports
Course projects
Research papers
Documented field placements or practicums
Case studies
Written summaries or analyses
Presentations or speeches
Visual art projects
Assignments completed with multi media
Artifacts
Examples of Experiential & Co-Curricular
• Co-curricular activities includes BVCTC
sanctioned clubs and organizations, honorary
societies, and athletics.
• Student experiential activities include, among
others, relevant work experience, community
service, and involvement in professional
organizations.
• Must get permission from employer or other
organization in order to include any of the
organization’s documents as artifacts to avoid
privacy issues.
Example of an Artifact
• BUSN 298 Assignment – Company Research and Presentation
• Learning Outcome - Communicate effectively by listening, speaking, and
writing using appropriate technology
• Performance indicators (examples)
– Reads, comprehends, analyzes, evaluates various writing.
– Logically organizes, develops and communicates an idea or position.
– Adapts communications to audience, situation and purpose.
– Uses prewriting, drafting, revising and editing techniques.
– Uses appropriate vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling and
syntax.
– Writes effective business/technical communications (memos, letters,
reports, etc.) and formats them appropriately.
Reflection Paper
• After the student has selected appropriate
artifacts for the General Education student
learning outcomes, the student must write a
reflection paper for each.
Reflection Paper
• Begin by reflecting on the connection between the artifact
and each student learning outcome.
• Introduce the artifact by explaining its origin and the
purpose.
• Describe how the artifact was created, the process or your
path of learning.
• Address which General Education student learning outcome
the artifact is representing and indicate the specific
performance indicators, thus meeting the expectations for
learning.
• Summarize the connection of the artifact to the
expectations of learning by describing how the achievement
of the learning outcome will impact you in the future.
Portfolio Submission
• The portfolio is to be complete and presented
in an organized and professional manner.
• There must be a reflection paper and matching
artifact for each student learning outcome.
• The reflection paper must adhere to the
prescribed format.
Prescribed Format for
Portfolio Reflection Papers
Date: _________
Submitted by: _________________
Program: ________________
General Education Student Learning Outcome: (state student
learner outcome fully and list the performance indicator(s)
used in the artifact)
Brief Description of the Artifact: (describe the steps of the
process to complete the assignment)
Making the Connection: (how the artifact you have selected
matches the general education student learning outcome)
For the Future: (summarize how this student learning outcome
will impact you in the future; why is this expected learning
outcome important to your future success)
Completed Portfolio
• Work should be compiled in a 3-ring binder with 4 tabs
(a tab for each student learning outcome)
• A completed portfolio will contain:
a. Table of Contents
b. Reflection Paper for each of the four student learning
outcomes along with the accompanying Artifact that
demonstrates learning
c. Each reflection paper will follow the prescribed format.
• When completed, a portfolio will be turned into your
capstone course instructor or advisor.
Portfolio Review
• Your portfolio will be reviewed to determine your
proficiency in the General Education student learning
outcomes.
• Your completed portfolio will be submitted during the
major capstone course and prior to graduation.
• After being checked for completion by the capstone
instructor, the portfolio will be forwarded to the
General Education Committee who will convene a panel
to review the portfolio using the Portfolio Rubric.
• The Portfolio will be returned to you with the panel’s
assessment and any comments they may have about
your efforts.
Rubric for the Assessment of the Portfolio
Performance Assessment Scorecard
Conceptual Framework of Portfolio Process
Is each outcome addressed with an artifact and reflection paper?
Score: ____
Choice of Artifact
Does the artifact clearly reflect the student learning outcome?
Score: ____
Reflection Papers Make Connection
Does the reflection paper address the artifact and its connection to the student learning outcome?
Does this paper adhere to the prescribed format?
Score: ____
Learning Process
Does the student explain what was involved in producing the artifact? Is there a discussion regarding
the future value of this learning process?
Score: ____
Presentation/Format
Is the portfolio complete and presented in an organized and professional manner?
Score: ____
See your instructor for Current
Forms and Information
• Table of Contents
• Reflection Paper Format
• Rubric
Other helpful documents
• Student Learning Outcomes with Performance
Indicators
• Student Checklist