OSP at the University of Michigan Highly diverse, distributed & interdisciplinary environment –54,000 students –225 undergraduate majors –600 degree programs in 19 Schools & Colleges No centralized leadership, vision or resources with regard to student learning
Professional Development Portfolios in the School of Social Work Goals of OSP Pilot Provide an integrative space for students to reflect on & demonstrate their life-long and life-wide learning Prepare students with the knowledge and capacities for social justice and social change-related professional practices Provide Mechanism for identifying and demonstrating tacit knowledge & transformative capacities Provide evidence of learning for SSW Accreditation
Gandhi’s words have inspired and guided my professional work Be the change you want to see in the world. Personal Philosophy Statement
My Professional Life will be dedicated to Prevention: It is extremely critical to invest in work that prevents later social ills, such as early childhood education and pre-natal care. I hope to identify and work with organizations that are invested in preventive work and methodologies. Research-based practice: It is vital that we operate programs with documented evidence of improvement; I want to ensure all organizations have the skills and knowledge to evaluate their programs and formulate measurable outcomes Strengths-Based Practice: I believe it is necessary to build on the strengths of individuals, organizations and communities. I am committed to focusing on assets instead of the deficits to achieve positive macro change.
Lessons Learned Highly diverse needs and interests on campus The Open-Source Portfolio tools meets most campus needs but needs work Planning & design of ePortfolios is a catalyst for improving programs & student learning Best Practices should be identified early and often Schools are benefiting from sharing best practices and templates Challenges of managing expectations and the meaning of the term “pilot ”