The Ability To Communicate Effectively: Using Portfolios To Assess Engineering Communication

This paper analyzes the difference between individual student assessment and program assessment, demonstrating the ways in which portfolios can offer important information for outcomes assessment at both levels. I discuss the basic principles of portfolio administration, such as portfolio design/format and portfolio set up, and then discuss ways in which portfolio objectives, including evaluation rubrics, may be developed. Special emphasis is placed on communicating portfolio objectives to students and the efficacy of reflective statements as a way to make the portfolio rating process more efficient. The end result of portfolio assessment is a clearer picture of students’ communication skills and valuable feedback for students and professors.