Can process portfolios affect students’ writing self-efficacy?

Can process portfolios that support students in goal setting, reflection, self-evaluation and feedback have a positive impact on students’ writing self-efficacy? This article presents the findings of a yearlong study conducted in three 4th grade elementary classes in Cyprus where paper-based and web-based portfolios were implemented to help students document their progress. Using a non-equivalent pre-test post-test design it was found that the self-efficacy of students who used portfolios for their essay writing process over an academic year increased significantly (p < .05), compared to control students who did not. The increase of writing self-efficacy corresponded to an increase of writing performance (p < .05). This study also verified the connection between Bandura's self-efficacy theory and portfolio affordances. Instructional implications for portfolio implementation are offered.

► Portfolio students’ writing self-efficacy increased and became more accurate. ► Portfolio students’ writing performance had a statistically significant improvement. ► The applicability of Bandura's self-efficacy theory to portfolios was verified.