Portfolio Assessment Strategies: An Investigation of Early Childhood Educators’ Perspectives and Practices in Türkiye and the United States

Alaçam N., OLGAN R.

Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/02568543.2025.2591908
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Research in Childhood Education
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Assessment, documentation, early childhood education, portfolio assessment
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Portfolio is one of the most comprehensive and widespread methods of pedagogical documentation in early childhood education around the world. This study used a qualitative research design to investigate early childhood educators from Türkiye and the United States regarding their portfolio practices and views, and provide strategies for portfolio assessment based upon the findings. Data were collected by means of semi-structured individual interviews with 24 participating educators in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool and a university preschool in both countries. Thematic analysis was employed while analyzing data, and the findings highlighted similarities within the same country, which indicates the influence of policy and cultural contexts on early childhood centers. As a result, the use of common strategies in the portfolio process was discussed as providing implications for the practices.