Considering Portfolios
In The IB Teacher Professional: " Identifying, Measuring and Characterizing Pedagogical Attributes, Perspectives and Beliefs", Bergeron and Dean state:
"The practice of teaching and what it means to be a good teacher has been discussed throughout history, from Socrates and the ancient Greeks to the Swiss philosopher Rousseau to recent discussions involving teacher accountability. At times and among certain people the misconception that there is “one way” to be a good teacher has been perpetuated. However, many different styles and philosophies can drive instructional decisions that result in effective teaching (see Joyce, Weil and Calhoun, 2004). Given that there is not one right way to teach and variations in approaches are natural due to numerous contextual factors such as students, subject content, classroom dynamics, culture, and school characteristics, there is much curiosity surrounding effective teaching. Teachers and educators in general are examining, with great interest, what it means to be a teacher (see Gage, 1978; Shulman, 1986; Hattie, 2002)." (4)
They also go into detail (13) :
The format, platforms, design and elements of a teaching portfolio are developing and evolving. The sheer nature of digital portfolios (instead of paper-based) is now affording so many opportunities for educators, administrators and schools, to share knowledge and experiences.
Visit some of the following resources and keep in mind how you would personally define a portfolio (whether professional or personal) and how it could align with these - and your own - teaching values :
Take a look at a few of the following articles/websites/blogs according to your interest :
***NOTE - For some reason, on this platform, you need to right click and 'open in a new tab'
- “Teaching Portfolios” University of Saskatchewan
De´sire´e D. Mansvelder-Longayroux , Douwe Beijaard, Nico Verloop, "The portfolio as a tool for stimulating reflection by student teachers"
Clarke University, "What is a portfolio ?"
My Tech Classroom, "17 Winning Teaching Portfolio Examples That Will Inspire You"
Ontario College of Teachers, "Portfolios Promote Professional Growth"
The Balance Careers, "What is a work portfolio and do I need one ?"
Task 1
In the 'Considering Portfolios’ discussion thread, consider these reflective questions :
Do you maintain any type of portfolio? Why or why not?
- What are some of the core ideas or philosophies that underpin using portfolios (for both teachers and/or students)? How are excellence, competence and practice demonstrated?
(There is no requirement to respond to others in this task)
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Reading Response
Read and consider the following article (Right click and open in a new tab if there are issues. This article is also in the Resources section of Content) written by Jim Knight. He is one of the great thinkers involved in research about professional learning, and teacher coaching for success.
This is a bit of a controversial article, but absolutely worth the discussion.
After reading about the common myths of professional learning, how do you think these ideas relate to your own experiences in professional learning communities? What could you do differently to make your collaboration more meaningful and student-centered?
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What's In a Portfolio?
As you've explored above, there is no right or wrong answer as to what a portfolio could include. It's important to consider the intent of your portfolio, however, and that will be the basis on which you decide what to also include within your portfolio.
Here are some ideas to consider:
What is a Portfolio?
An evolving collection of carefully selected or composed professional thoughts, goals and experiences. It represents who you are, what you do, and how you plan on achieving your goals.
(S.M. Evans 1995 Professional Portfolios: Documenting & presenting performance excellence, taken from D Gosse, Nipissing University, 2009)
A Well-Prepared Portfolio should…
Document the Scope and Quality of Your Experience and Training
Showcase your Skills and Abilities
Showcase Your Achievements
(D Gosse, Nipissing University, 2009)
Why Complete a Portfolio?
It can give you an edge in an interview.
It will help you with performance appraisal.
It may be helpful for promotion to a different position.
It is a great way for you to keep track of your past, thus helping you to guide your present and future practice.
(D Gosse, Nipissing University, 2009)
I would add to the work of Gosse, and say that a portfolio can also be a forum to develop a practice in reflection and growth mindset - taking time to consider past achievements as well as mistakes and focus on future goals. Further, it allows YOU to reflect on your continued development in practice.
REFLECTION is one of the core tenets in all programmes in the IB.
Task 2
In the 'What's in a portfolio?' discussion thread, please attach a file of something that is currently in your professional portfolio OR that you would consider putting in your portfolio (an image, a document, a resource, a reflection, etc.).
Explain why you have chosen to select this piece. Why is it meaningful? What does it demonstrate?
***Please respond to at least 1 of your colleagues to further their thinking about their posting by asking questions or offering suggestions.
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Task 3
After reading about the common myths of professional learning, consider the following 2 questions:
- How do you think these myths relate to your own experiences in professional learning communities?
- What could you do differently in your context to make your collaboration more meaningful and student-centered?
Write a post in the 'Reading response' thread in the discussion forum that makes connections between the article, your own learning and the use of a portfolio. (Approximately a paragraph)
***Please respond to at least one of your peers' posts.
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