What is a Portfolio?

A portfolio is a binder in which you describe and document your college-equivalent learning in a particular subject. It includes a college course description, an essay (i.e., a thorough description and analysis of your learning), and evidence of your learning. It may include your resume.

A portfolio credits learning, not experience.

You may create portfolios to demonstrate that you have already achieved the learning outcomes for any undergraduate course (with certain exceptions).

Why Make a Portfolio?

Not only can you get credit for college-level learning you already have achieved, saving time and tuition, but you can gain much more.

*A careful analysis and deliberate telling of your learning enriches your experiences and encourages a habit of lifelong learning.

*You learn to distinguish between experience and the learning you derive from it.

*You know yourself better and become more aware of your skills and learning needs.

*Connections may be made between your past learning and your current career plan.

*A portfolio can be an effective job hunting tool that demonstrates your qualifications to a potential employer.


How to Get Started

Find a course description from an accredited college or university that you think is equivalent to an area of your learning.

Verify with your advisor that the course you plan to portfolio fits into your academic plan.

Complete the College's Request for Undergraduate Prior Learning Assessment form.

Get preliminary approval from Cecelia Cull, the Director of Student Academic Support Services at (617) 873-0120 or cecelia.cull@cambridgecollege.edu

How to Make a Portfolio

Identify the specific learning outcomes expected in this course, using a course syllabus or at least a course description.

Gather and select evidence of your learning.

*Written documents, e.g. your records, texts you have written on your job. Products in other media are also acceptable.

*Documents from impartial sources that demonstrate the authenticity of your learning, e.g. letter of reference, certificates.

Write an essay about your learning:

*Describe what happened in your learning experience.

*Analyze and evaluate what you learned.

*Compare your learning to the topics in the course description. Determine if your learning is at college level.

*Be sure to integrate theory and application.

Organize all components of the portfolio in a binder, so faculty can see and understand your work easily.

When You're Finished

Bring or mail the portfolio to the Director of Student Academic Support Services.

*Faculty will review your work.

*Staff will call you with the decision.

Credit may be awarded, or you may need to do further work.

Resources

*Course descriptions and syllabi See course descriptions in the Cambridge College academic catalog. To find course descriptions from other colleges, search the Internet.

*A faculty expert in the subject can advise you.

*The Writing Support Center can work with you to develop your thinking and support the writing process.

*Library and Internet research can provide articles on the subject and access to professional organizations working in the subject area. A look at what other people are doing and thinking in your area of learning can help you assess your learning and give you ideas for what you can do with it. See research guides and Online Library.

Important Tips

*Include only copies of your original work and records in your portfolio. Keep your originals. Keep a duplicate copy of the portfolio.

*Your writing must demonstrate college-level grammar and structure.

*Communicate what you have learned to someone who has not shared your experience.

*Bind your materials securely so that nothing is lost. A simple 3-ring binder is appropriate; sheet protectors are usually not needed. Computer disks should be secured in a closed envelope; they can fall out of an open pocket.

Cost

$100 per credit attempted; $300 for a 3-credit course. No fee for re-submission if further work is required.

Where to Submit Your Portfolio

Bring or mail your completed portfolio to Cecelia Cull at Cambridge College, 1000 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.

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