Determining Teachers' Perceptions of the Practicability of Portfolio Assessment in Various Settlement Areas in Turkey

Abstract

This study was performed to determine whether it is practical to use portfolios in settlement areas with various socioeconomic conditions. A Likert-type scale and open-ended questions were used as a means of data collection. The data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques. We concluded that when portfolio assessment methods cannot effectively be applied every settlement areas, they are useful to uncover student success and capabilities. However, it also concluded that implementation of the portfolio is not appropriate for some settlement areas because students, teachers, parents and schools are deprived of certain resources and opportunities in terms of education. In addition, it was determined that teachers encountered some barriers to practice portfolios and develop product files. Therefore, the portfolio assessment method should not be recommended without reservation as alternative assessment tool in not suitable settlement areas.