Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology

Research Network "Working with Portfolios in Education"

The use of portfolios in an educational context (e.g., schools, university) is very common. Different formats of portfolios and heterogeneous experiences in different contexts exist. In some cases, the use of portfolios is even prescribed by ministries. Empirical studies as well as experience reports on the work with portfolios in an educational context show heterogeneous findings regarding the effectiveness of portfolios in terms like learning outcomes, process-relevant factors, or attitudes of learners towards the use of portfolios. The network "Working with portfolios in education", which was founded in 2018, brings together more than 30 researchers and represents a sustainable international initiative to promote high-quality, cross-locational research.

Purpose of the network

Our goal is to contribute to a more evidence-based use of portfolios in educational contexts through empirical research. In accordance with the research desiderata, we are driven by three overarching questions:

  • What are the attitudes of educational stakeholders towards the use of portfolios?
  • What are predictors of positive attitudes of educational stakeholders towards the use of portfolios?
  • Which factors ensure a high-quality use of portfolios?
  • Under what conditions is the use of portfolios effective for learning?

Potential members of the network should have a genuine interest in research on the use of portfolios in educational contexts in order to address these and similar questions.

Working in the research network