Why Web Portfolios? Philosophy and Rationale for Maintaining Work in a Web
- Demonstrating Coherence
- Developing a sense for connections
- Developing a habit of reflectiveness
- Developing intellectual community
- Connecting to other communities
One of the chief challenges in the design of an individualized major is demonstrating the coherence of the particular learning experiences included in a student's plan. Established disciplines, departments, and programs all vouch for the coherence of the courses that constitute major studies in their areas. Thus it is institutional confidence in the collective good judgement of the chemistry faculty (for example) that assures us that the sequence of required courses for the chemistry major hangs together. But what assures us that the courses in an individualized major hang together?
Web portfolios are an important mechanism for discovering and demonstrating the principle of coherence behind each student's major.
