Abstract:

The portfolio is a complex evaluation tool, based on a set of results, which offers the possibility for the teacher to make value judgments regarding the activity of the preschooler. Designed over a longer period of time, it includes works or personal achievements of the child (drawings, paintings, collages), information sheets following periodic evaluations, providing a complete picture of the progress made by him, by reference to certain criteria. Having a reflective character, the portfolio stimulates the child's responsibility through the freedom to select themes and means of achievement, encourages self-evaluation with an emphasis on the process and not necessarily on the final product. It promotes the global development of the personality by following the child's progress on all three levels - cognitive, attitudinal and behavioral.

The structure and composition of a portfolio are subordinated to the purpose for which it was designed, the mandatory components and the evaluation criteria are established by the educators, having as a starting point the concerns of the children. This study aims to highlight the ways in which teachers in kindergartens use the portfolio in the activity with preschoolers. To collect the data, we applied an online questionnaire to 250 teachers, both in urban and rural areas, who work in both state and private kindergartens, in which they are asked what types of portfolios they use (classic or digital) and in what way - as a source of learning, as a means of presentation or as an evaluation file.

The vast majority of teachers participating in the study argue that, in order to be successful in using the portfolio, a theme must be established that will lead the child to different sources of information than those used in kindergarten, as well as forms more complex communication. The topic and the recommended sources of information must sensitize the child and stimulate his interest for the approached field.

Keywords:

Portofolio, early education, assessment, self-assessment, preschoolers, kindergarten.