Focus On Learning June 5, 2012 Reflective Practice and The Professional Portfolio Mark Gallupe, Loyalist College 1

Welcome and Introductions What would you like from this session? 2

FOL Program Outcome: Create and use a personal action plan that enhances professional practice. 3

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. 4

“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 5

Reflection and Learning What is reflection? How do I turn experience into learning? The ways I reflect are …reflective strategies list. 6

“Reflection refers to the capacity of a teacher to think creatively, imaginatively and at times, self-critically about classroom practice.” Lasley (1992) 7

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. 8

360 Degree Feedback Learners Colleagues Stakeholders Self 9

The Professional PORTFOLIO 10

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. 11

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). 12

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. 13

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. 14

Portfolio Definition T here 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 15

Critical Components of a Professional Portfolio Chronological Record, Life History Paper (Optional) Goals Paper Educational and Career Plan Documentation 16

Documentation Types of Documentation What documents would you include in your portfolio? Please a create a list. 17

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 s 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 18

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? 19

Types and Uses of Portfolios TYPEUSEBENEFIT Master Portfolio To hold all documentation Catalyst for reflection/ change Assists candidate to collect material in one location Increases self-awareness and confidence 20

Types and Uses of Portfolios TYPEUSEBENEFIT Job 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 21

Types and Uses of Portfolios TYPEUSEBENEFIT Course 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 22

Types and Uses of Portfolios TYPEUSEBENEFIT Career/ 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 23

Types and Uses of Portfolios Job Promotion Personal Development/Healing Legacy Portfolio 24