What best describes a portfolio assessment?

A portfolio assessment is best described as a collection of student work reflecting achievements over time. This method provides a comprehensive and dynamic perspective on a student’s learning and growth. It showcases a variety of work that may include assignments, projects, reflections, and other artifacts that demonstrate the learner's skills, creativity, and progress toward specific learning objectives.

The strength of a portfolio lies in its ability to capture a broader view of student performance beyond a single test or project. It allows for ongoing reflection, enabling students to engage with their learning process and to understand their own development. Portfolios are particularly effective in supporting formative assessment practices, where the focus is on improving student learning based on continuous feedback rather than solely focusing on grades or scores.

The other options represent more traditional or limited forms of assessment. Standardized tests, oral presentations, and quizzes are typically single-instance assessments that may not provide the depth of insight that a portfolio can offer into a student's overall achievements and growth. These assessments tend to focus on narrow metrics of performance, whereas a portfolio emphasizes a holistic view of the learner’s capabilities.