Finding the Link: Learner autonomy and portfolio-based writing assessment

• Main Author: Migallos, Kimberley M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2013
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/4588
• Institution: De La Salle University

Learner autonomy is seen as a capacity for active, independent learning. Portfolio materials encourage students to develop and use this capacity for autonomy to develop. Since portfolios is one form of self-assessment wherein students reflect on and evaluate the quality of their work and their learning, this can be used as an instrument in encouraging learner autonomy. A portfolio is evidence of a students work and a collection of their subject achievements. This thesis aimed to find out the perceptions of De La Salle University students regarding the effectiveness of portfolio assessment in their English Communication classes. Also, the study aimed to determine if students preferred to be evaluated with the use of the portfolio or with paper and pencil tests. In addition, the study also aimed to identify the relationship between portfolio assessment and learner autonomy. The study used Cronbachs Analysis and Two Way Chi Square to analyze the data. Furthermore, the study utilized a survey, a focus group discussion and an interview. Results have indicated that students preferred to be evaluated with the use of the portfolio since according to them the paper and pencil tests cannot show their overall learning and cannot show an application of what they have learned in the ENGLCOM course. In addition, the researcher has also come to find that reflective writing in portfolios lead to more independent and autonomous learners. This study also has come to find that other forms of assessment can also lead to deeper learning. The present study can be used for the improvement of portfolio practices not only in schools/universities. Moreover, teachers and administrators may find this useful to identify students attitudes and opinions about assessment forms particularly the paper and pencil test. Apart from that this can serve as guide for those who would like to use the instruments for further research and inquiry about autonomy and portfolio assessment.