1. Adult Portfolios Philosophy: The Unifying Element Jones, M., Shelton, M. (2011). Developing Your Portfolio--Enhancing Your Learning and Showing Your Stuff: A Guide for the Early Childhood Student or Professional, Second Edition. Routledge.

2. Philosophy: The Basis for Practice Human development theories Teaching/learning theories Practice Strategies, tools, methods

3. Articulation of Beliefs & Personal Clarification Philosophy: The Unifying Element

4. Role of Personal Philosophy  To identify and clarify what one believes (process)  To unify the document by providing coherence & congruence (product)

5. Philosophy Statement: The Clarification Process  Recognizing when one is “doing by default” (acting without thinking)  Examining the “default action” in light of new experiences and knowledge  Making conscious, informed choices that change behavior

6. Philosophy Statement What we’re clarifying? Beliefs about the way children develop Beliefs about the way children and adults learn (quiet theories) Personal motivations for choosing teaching as a profession

7. Philosophy Statement  Clarify the focus ( educational)  An honest snapshot of who one is as a professional “in the moment”

8. Philosophy Statement  Decide on content Source of motivation for learning Belief about how people learn Role of teacher and student Learning environments Connections to knowledge base

9. Philosophy Statement  Present of the content Succinct (1 page) Highlights (not the kitchen sink) Meets standards for professional presentation (well-organized, well-written, Standard English)

10. Philosophy Statement’s Role in the Portfolio  Identifies the builder – builder’s signature  Unifies the document: provides congruence provides “blueprint” or “home-room” for checking consistency of point-of-view