Which assessment method provides insight into student learning outside of traditional exams?

Portfolios are a comprehensive assessment method that offers a deeper understanding of student learning by compiling a diverse range of work and artifacts over time. They allow educators to evaluate not just a student's knowledge at a single point in time, but also their development, creativity, and critical thinking skills across various subjects and activities. Portfolios can include drafts of work, final products, self-reflections, and feedback from peers and teachers, providing a holistic view of a student's learning process.

This method emphasizes the journey of learning rather than just the end result, facilitating the integration of different types of assessments and allowing for personalized feedback. Portfolios can also empower students to take ownership of their learning, as they often have a role in selecting what they include, which promotes self-assessment and lifelong learning skills.

In contrast, other methods like standardized testing and multiple-choice exams primarily focus on measuring knowledge or skills at a specific moment, often prioritizing rote memorization over a comprehensive understanding of concepts. Diagnostic checking may help identify specific areas of difficulty but does not encompass the broader scope of a student’s work and learning progression as effectively as portfolios do.