What is Portfolio Composition?

The MTSU Portfolio Composition Program uses writing portfolios created in English 1010 (Expository Writing) and English 1020 (Argumentation and Research) as a means of assessing students' writing achievement. Instead of grading each separate essay assignment, program teachers act as writing coaches, giving substantive feedback to each essay but without assigning grades.  This postponement of grades allows students time to revise and select the pieces they want evaluated for their portfolios, which are collected and graded at the end of the semester. 

The use of portfolio assessment recognizes that writing is a developmental skill that takes times to acquire and awards students for revising their writing to improve purpose, audience, organization, and development.  Portfolio assessment is recognized by leading authorities in composition studies as the most valid means of measuring student writing ability available today.

 In this section you can explore the history, goals, and methodology of the MTSU Portfolio Composition Program and peruse student guides for use in English 1010 and 1020.