AWriting portfolio to improve writing skills
by Tziona Levi, ORT Religious High School, Beth She’an
(adapted from Baack, 1997)
Grade Level / Number of pupils /

Level

/

Stage

10, 11 / 28 / Proficiency / 1,2

A portfolio to improve writing skills

For grades 10 and 11 (4-5 points)

Dear studentpupil,

This portfolio is slightly different from previous ones. Please read the instructions carefully.

What should I include in the portfolio?

Four pieces of writing, with five components:

  • original outline or semantic map/flow chart of ideas for brainstorming;
  • rough draft, second draft;
  • self-evaluation (to be given);
  • peer evaluation (to be given);
  • comment card (what I have learned from this piece of writing; what has changed in the drafts; what advice my peers offered; what I did differently in the following piece of writing).

Each entry will include dates for original and draft copies. The portfolio will open with a short introductory page about the writer (name, grade, date of submission) and table of contents. It must be typed.

Writing tasks:

  1. Two pieces of writing will be composed in class: cover letter and book project.
  2. Two pieces will be written as part of the homework assignments. Select from all assignments which two to include in the portfolio.
  3. A list of sample writing assignments will be given.

The cover letter will be written in class as one of the four pieces of writing. This will help you determine your writing strengths and weaknesses, where you have made progress and where you still need work.

How will I arrange the portfolio?

Organizing the four pieces of writing within the completed portfolio is important for self-evaluation. You will be able to see your progress and how this portfolio has helped you improve as a writer.

This The following illustration will explains the order of the four entries. The list, which explains the order accompanying the illustration, can serve as the table of contents.

Select the best piece of writing. A good piece of writing has: an introduction; a body; a conclusion; a main idea and supporting details. Ensure all your writing genres have been incorporated and that the purpose for writing was achieved. (Paragraphparagraph, formal/informal letter, letter to the editor, giving advice, stating opinions, and complaining.).

Notice: You are making two choices; first, which four pieces should be included, and second, how to organize these pieces.

How will the portfolio be assessed?

The pieces of writing will be assessed twice.

  • The quality of each piece of writing will be graded according to the new Bagrut format.
  • For any improvement in your writing (based on the comment cards, cover letter and comparing the outline with the first and second drafts), you will be graded with arating scale.

The portfolio will be assessed during a teacher-studentpupil conference. (Suggested assessment tool below.)

I hope this attempt to improve your writing will be successful. Focus on the details and

good luck!Tziona, Your English Teacher.

Suggested evaluation guide for “whole” portfolio:

The quality of the final written products: Circle the appropriate score 1 2 3 4 5. Two points on the Bagrut rating scale is worth one pointone point. Add up the scores.
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 / _____From 20%
(5X4)
Process: Proper outline; implementation of outline, relation to peer feedback, relation to teacher's comments, improvement after revision. / _____From 20%
Progress and development: Progress over time illustrating the studentpupil’s’ development as a a writer, her/his awareness of her/his strengths and weaknesses (cover letter, comment cards, studentpupil’s comparison of first in class paper and “best piece”). / _____From 30%
StudentPupil-Teacher conference: Ability to present work and reflect on accomplishments. / _____From 20%
Presentation of portfolio: Quantity and aesthetics (inclusion of all required elements and typed). / _____From 10%

Total Score: ______points

Development and Expansion: Tziona Levi, Ort, Dati Beit-Shean

Adapted fromGeneral idea: Bauch (1997) English Teaching Forum. April 1997. Portfolio Development /Erlyn Bauch.

Presented at ETAI conference, Jerusalem, July 2000

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