The Impact of Portfolio Assessment on Students’ Reading Skills Enhancement

Abstract

For many years, researchers have been dedicated to exploring effective methods to enhance the educational environment, focusing on both teaching strategies for educators and learning techniques for students. A key area of their investigation is the effective assessment of students. They have proposed various assessment methods, including portfolio assessment. This innovative approach offers a modern alternative to conventional evaluation techniques by combining continuous reflection with the presentation of academic work, enabling students to showcase their development and progress over time. This study specifically aimed to examine the impact of portfolio assessment on the reading skill enhancement of first-year English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at Mohamed Cherif Messaadia University in Souk Ahras, Algeria. To achieve this goal, two main research methods were utilized: a questionnaire distributed to students for quantitative data collection and interviews with teachers for qualitative insights. The results indicated a significant positive effect of portfolio assessment on improving students' reading skills, thereby validating the hypothesis that this method is an effective strategy for enhancing reading capabilities among EFL learners. Based on these findings, it is advisable for educators to persist in utilizing portfolio assessment as a beneficial tool for promoting students' reading proficiency, ultimately aiding in their overall academic achievement.