Students and Instructors’ Views on the Use of Portfolios in Teaching Writing at the Tertiary Level in Saudi Arabia

The portfolio is an effective alternative assessment technique that has recently been used in various English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. This study aims to explore the views of both students and writing instructors in using portfolios in teaching writing for Saudi EFL undergraduates. Participants are both undergraduate students and writing instructors at the English department, Albaha University, Saudi Arabia. The main methods for data collection are a questionnaire, group discussions, and interviews. The findings showed overall positive views towards portfolio use. It has also been found that the portfolio was considered an effective tool to develop several writing aspects such as motivation, confidence and autonomy. The findings also revealed that students and instructors perceived a few obstacles to portfolio implementation, such as traditional learning practices and program grading systems. The study concludes with recommendations for better implementation of portfolios