Portfolios can be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Showcase portfolio
• Process/Product portfolio
• Reflective portfolio
• Rhetorical portfolio
• Teaching portfolio

Any of these portfolios can also be used for assessment purposes by overlaying performance criteria and evaluating work in relation to these criteria. When portfolios are used for assessment, the selected artifacts and reflections serve to demonstrate particular knowledge and skills.

Showcase Portfolio

A showcase portfolio is simply a portfolio used to show one's best work. Items are selected to represent one's highest level of achievement in regard to particular knowledge or skills. The traditional artist's portfolio is an example. Portfolios created for a job interview would also fall into this category. View an example of a Showcase Portfolio.

Progress Portfolio

A progress portfolio is used to demonstrate the development of knowledge and skills over time. The artifacts in the portfolio represent a range of experiences or instances and are typically organized to show improvement in performance.

Process/Product Portfolio

The process/product portfolio is used to show stages in the development of one particular project. A writing portfolio, for instance, might include initial ideas for a piece, background research or short sketches, multiple rough drafts with comments and changes, and a final draft.

Reflective Portfolio

A reflective portfolio is used to document personal responses to artifacts or experiences. This type of portfolio may resemble a journal or scrapbook, though the items within it usually cohere in some way. An artist, for instance, might use such a portfolio to document the development of his or her individual style and influences on his or her work. Students could also use a reflective portfolio to make connections between course material and service learning experiences. View an example of a Reflective Portfolio.

Rhetorical Portfolio

The rhetorical portfolio is used to construct and justify a particular argument through the presentation of evidence. Such a portfolio might be used, for example, to defend or critique the interpretation of a particular historical event.

Teaching Portfolio

Teaching portfolios present a portrait of oneself as a teacher. They may present achievements as well as development or growth. These portfolios may include course syllabi, statement of one's teaching philosophy, assignments and examples of student work, and course evaluations.