Parks 1

Andrea Parks

Professor Williams

English111

30 November 2022

Are digital portfolios a good idea to assess student writing DB

I think viewing the progress made in a course through a digital portfolio is better than

through an exam. Of course, there are pros and cons to both using a portfolio and/or taking an

exam. Pros include things such as taking time to reflect personally and no stress about being a

bad test taker. Cons may include procrastination, and being “too hard” on yourself.

I consider myself a “bad test taker”. I can study for hours upon hours and still fail a test.

I believe a lot of that has to do with getting in my own head. I tend to panic and stress so much

over an exam/test that I forget everything I've learned and studied. While completing a portfolio,

I would have plenty of time to map out and reflect on my writing experience rather than quickly

answering specific questions on a quiz. The portfolio gives students the chance to make personal

reflections, and take the time to truly focus on growth over the course! With the portfolio, I

would not have to worry or stress over the test but put all my focus and effort into it. With that

being said, I believe having a personal reflection, and not having to stress over being a good/bad

test taker are pros for a portfolio!

On the other hand, procrastination and being “too hard” on yourself may be a con to

using a portfolio as a reflection instead of an exam. Being “too hard” on yourself may affect your

being able to complete or push forward with your portfolio. For example, if you feel none of

your work is worthy enough to be shown then that could be a problem. Another example is if
 Parks 2

you don’t feel like you have noticed any change over the course. Being hard on yourself can

really be a blocking factor or a con for a portfolio. Another problem could be If you are someone

who tends to procrastinate and push things back. Keeping up with adding work to the portfolio or

even reflecting as the process is happening may be hard for you! It is important to add as much

of your best work and reflect as moving forward throughout the course!

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to both taking an exam, and writing a portfolio. I

believe the decision of which is better must come from each individual as a preference. For me,

writing a portfolio sounds better. I struggle as a test taker so true growth isn’t fully shown. When

putting together a portfolio personal growth is shown.I want to be able to show improvement in

writing. I should be able to look back at the end of the course and truly be able to say I can see

improvement in myself and my writing.