A Model to Improve the Implementation of Portfolio Assessment: Effective Implementation of Portfolio Assessment in the Classroom

The book is based on the research completed for a PhD. The book outlines the prevailing approaches to assessing learner achievement according to the National Curriculum Statement in South Africa, with specific emphasis on assessing learners and their progress by means of portfolios and nurturing the holistic development of learners at grade 9 level. A quantitative and qualitative study by means of questionnaires and focus group interviews was conducted. The disconcerting outcomes of the study revealed that, educators have not been equipped with the adequate knowledge and skills to implement portfolio assessment in the classroom, though short term courses did take place. Unfortunately this did not do justice to the ideals of nurturing the holistic growth and development of learners as envisaged by the National Curriculum Statement. In order to address this problem, the study culminated in the design if a model which highlights the process and components that could be used in the implementation of portfolio assessment. The contribution of the study lies in the development of the tool that could be utilised to train educators to become effective implementers of portfolio assessment.