Learning with iPad - My Growth Portfolio

Context

Once you've scanned your best essays, artwork, and tests, what's the next step? This lesson shows students how to give that digitised work meaning by tracking it over time. It introduces them to the power of spreadsheets in a personal and motivating way. Using Apple's Numbers app, students will create a living portfolio that not only stores their work but also tells the story of their growth.

This is a practical lesson in data literacy. Students will learn how to log their assignments, scores, and subjects in an organised table. Then, with a few taps, they will transform that raw data into a clean, professional chart that visualises their progress. It’s a powerful way to see improvement, identify strengths, and set goals for the future.

By building their own growth portfolio, students will learn that data isn't just for maths class—it's a tool for understanding and celebrating their own personal journey.

Preparation & Flow

For this lesson, students will need an iPad with Numbers installed. They should have access to three to five of their past assignments (physical or scanned PDFs) that include a grade or score.

The Story in the Data (5 mins)

Start with a discussion: "How do you know if you're getting better at something? What does 'growth' look like?"

Show an example of a simple chart that clearly displays improvement over time (e.g., rising scores on a video game, faster running times).

Setting Up the Portfolio (10 mins)

Project the Numbers app and guide students through creating a new, blank spreadsheet.

Create a Table: Show them how to create a simple table with four columns:

Assignment Name

Subject

Date Completed

Score (%)

Data Entry Session (15 mins)

Students will now act as data clerks for their own work.

They should take their three to five past assignments and enter the relevant information into the rows of their Numbers table.

From Data to Discovery: Charting Your Growth (15 mins)

This is the "magic" step. Guide students through creating a chart:

Tap the table, then tap the column letter for "Assignment Name" and drag to select the "Score (%)" column as well.

Tap the "Chart" icon and select a 2D Bar Chart or Column Chart.

A chart visualising their scores will instantly appear. Show them how to move and resize it.

Analyze and Reflect (5 mins)

Have students look at their own chart and reflect on the story it tells. Ask them to share with a partner the answer to one question: "What does this chart show you about your work so far?"

Possible Extensions

Calculate Your Average: Introduce the AVERAGE formula. Show students how to add a new row at the bottom of their table to calculate their average score for all assignments.

From the LearnGrowCreate Team

Main author: Sharon