Involving Students in Evaluation of Course Aims through their Perception of Material Filed in Portfolios

Abstract

Portfolios have emerged as one of the most useful tools to become informed about assessment processes in our courses. The following article describes the experience of two university teachers as they involved their students attending a Basic English I and ELT methodology class in the evaluation of course aims. Collecting data through material portfolio and interviews, the teachers sought to explore students' perceptions of course goals in relation to the ones set for their courses at a public university. This study revealed students' beliefs regarding materials as a means of developing language competence, a view of language and a critical position. Furthermore, students' perceptions accounted for awareness raising processes and the possibility to transform theory into practice.

Keywords

• evaluation
• assessment
• portfolio
• materials
• course goals
• students' perceptions