Focus On LearningJune 5, 2012
Reflective Practice and
The Professional Portfolio
Mark Gallupe, Loyalist College
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Welcome and Introductions
What would you like from this session?
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FOL Program Outcome:
Create and use a personal action plan that enhances professional practice.
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Session Goals: Define reflective practice and how it relates to improvement and growth.
Identify the components and steps to developing a professional portfolio.
State the benefits of creating a portfolio.List 2-3 goals for the upcoming year.
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“Portfolios have much to offer the teaching profession. When teachers carefully examine their own practices, those practices are likely to improve.”
Dr. Kenneth Wolf, Univ. of Colorado
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Reflection and Learning
What is reflection? How do I turn experience into
learning? The ways I reflect are …reflective
strategies list.
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“Reflection refers to the capacity of a teacher to think creatively, imaginatively and at times, self-critically about classroom practice.”
Lasley (1992)
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Reflection Exercise
Write down a positive or negative experience with teaching you’ve had this year and how you processed it.
Share your experience in a small group near you. Record your key findings.
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360 Degree Feedback
Learners Colleagues Stakeholders Self
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The Professional PORTFOLIO
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Purpose of a Portfolio
The development of a portfolio is becoming more and more crucial to individuals seeking to gain control over their future during these times of constant change.
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Purpose of a Portfolio
The portfolio provides a solid foundation from which decisions can be made and specific action taken.
It can be used for a variety of purposes including personal and career development and prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR).
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Portfolio Definition
A Portfolio is a record kept in a binder, a paper or e-file or a folder – of an individual’s prior learning achievement – what she or he knows and can do.
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Portfolio Definition
Some portfolios are extremely comprehensive and wide-ranging; some are more narrowly and specifically focused – depending on the purposes, objectives and goals of the individual.
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Portfolio Definition
There is no single “right” way to organize and present a portfolio. In fact, people exercise a great deal of creativity in this regard.
Guidelines for the Canadian PLAR Practitioner, CAPLA
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Critical Components of a Professional Portfolio Chronological Record, Life History Paper (Optional) Goals Paper Educational and Career Plan Documentation
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Documentation
Types of Documentation
What documents would you include in your portfolio?
Please a create a list.
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Examples of Documentation
Resume
Chronological Record
Goals
Job Description
Samples of Work, ie. course developed
Performance Appraisal
Course Evaluations from Learners
List of references, List of Mentors
Bibliography
Thank you notes, Appreciation Emails
Photos of participation in college events
List of community/college involvements, ie. committees, projects, PD
Articles, text written
Articles about you
Journal or Reflective Writing
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Setting Goals
Identify two or three professional goals you plan to work towards over the next year.
What resources will you need to assist you in achieving the goals?
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Types and Uses of Portfolios
TYPE USE BENEFITMaster Portfolio
To hold all documentation Catalyst for reflection/ change
Assists candidate to collect material in one location Increases self-awareness and confidence
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Types and Uses of Portfolios
TYPE USE BENEFITJob Search Portfolio
To demonstrate competency related to the requirements of a specific position Can be referenced in interview Assists candidate to research and document job competencies
Identifies transferable skills to improve resume Demonstrates commitment, knowledge and organizational skills to employer
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Types and Uses of Portfolios
TYPE USE BENEFITCourse Challenge
To demonstrate competency in a specific course/ program area to receive academic credit
Connects and integrates past learning Credit received for prior learning saves time and money and improves access to educational programs
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Types and Uses of Portfolios
TYPE USE BENEFITCareer/Life Planning
To reflect on one’s life for the purpose of goal setting Can identify strengths and barriers to success.
Connects and integrates past learning Sheds light on future planning
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Types and Uses of Portfolios
Job Promotion
Personal Development/Healing
Legacy Portfolio
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