What are the major reasons why portfolios fail?
When portfolios earn Needs Improvement (< 35 points) on the first submission, the main reason is procrastination. The portfolio takes time management; most students cannot complete a Satisfactory portfolio if they try to put it together too quickly. The second reason is lack of attention to the directions. The directions are quite complex because they are designed to test your understanding of the subject matter. Read the prompts very carefully, take time to choose the best samples, plan what to say carefully, and revise thoroughly so that your sentences say what you intend. If you are not sure what is expected, you need to look at the examples. Examples are available for check out in the Liberal Studies Program Office. Both of the above problems can be remedied and often are when the student submits the second time. When portfolios fail twice, the problems are much more severe, including basic lack of understanding of the subject matter and inability to organize and present ideas.
