Portfolio
The idea of a portfolio is twofold for me, and somewhat of a dichotomy. On one hand, I understand the need to have a place to showcase my work as a teacher, and as a lifelong learner. Portfolios are a great resource to have to demonstrate what I am capable of, what I have learned over my time as a student, and what I have done as an educator. On the other hand, while in undergrad, I spend countless hours updating my portfolio, taking pictures of my latest and greatest lessons, constantly updating my core values as a teacher, and writing and re-writing my resume. When it came time to interview for jobs, I was never once asked to take it out, and ended up simply using it as a place to take notes while interviewing. That being said, I indeed do find value in the portfolio, so long as it is a WORKING document.
As a collection of documentation of what it is I am good at, I can see great value in the idea of a portfolio. As an educator, I feel that my strong point is the connections I make with my students. I would like to be able to demonstrate that idea with an electronic portfolio, using taped lessons, testimonials from students, colleagues, and principals with whom I work, and a demonstration of my spirit as an educator. Of course, I would like to document the amount of student growth my students have shown, as well as artifacts from unique lessons I've taught, an up to date resume, and digital accomplishments (assessments I have designed, games I have created, etc.) This working document would be a place I could sent a potential employer so they can get a feel for who I am as a teacher before they even meet me. This, I feel would set me apart from many other potential candidates.
As far as how my students can use portfolios, I actually have a living example. At one of my schools, teachers utilize goal binders so that students can their own goals, own their learning, and be responsible for how they take advantage of the opportunities school supplies. Specials teachers typically have not participated in this activity, but I could easily see myself participating, having students set goals and use artifacts from my class to provide as proof of their learning. One aspect of this could be a digital aspect, where they upload websites or presentations they have worked on in the past and can take with them as they move from elementary and into middle school and beyond.
As a collection of documentation of what it is I am good at, I can see great value in the idea of a portfolio. As an educator, I feel that my strong point is the connections I make with my students. I would like to be able to demonstrate that idea with an electronic portfolio, using taped lessons, testimonials from students, colleagues, and principals with whom I work, and a demonstration of my spirit as an educator. Of course, I would like to document the amount of student growth my students have shown, as well as artifacts from unique lessons I've taught, an up to date resume, and digital accomplishments (assessments I have designed, games I have created, etc.) This working document would be a place I could sent a potential employer so they can get a feel for who I am as a teacher before they even meet me. This, I feel would set me apart from many other potential candidates.
As far as how my students can use portfolios, I actually have a living example. At one of my schools, teachers utilize goal binders so that students can their own goals, own their learning, and be responsible for how they take advantage of the opportunities school supplies. Specials teachers typically have not participated in this activity, but I could easily see myself participating, having students set goals and use artifacts from my class to provide as proof of their learning. One aspect of this could be a digital aspect, where they upload websites or presentations they have worked on in the past and can take with them as they move from elementary and into middle school and beyond.
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