Portfolio assessment in introductory ChE courses

The importance of portfolios for beginning chemical engineering students is discussed. Portfolios are used to assess course objectives that are difficult to evaluate using traditional techniques. The portfolios are collections of student work, typically selected according to guidelines set forth by the instructor. The author suggests that students should be prepared to read up on assessment techniques as many of the references listed contain good examples of student entries and grading schemes. It is also suggested that instructors should create a grading scheme for themselves which can help them in assessing the work of the student according to them.