Portfolios
Practicum in Commercial Photography
Lesson Plan
Performance Objective
Upon completion of this lesson, each student will demonstrate how to create a portfolio and their
benefit.
Specific Objectives




Define a career portfolio
Identify the types of information employers want to see in a candidate’s career portfolio
Prepare for post-secondary education, and/or a career, by developing a career portfolio
Learn how to use a portfolio to their benefit, how to maintain a portfolio, and what
important components should be included in a portfolio
This lesson should take three class days to complete.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the TEKS listed immediately below. Any changes/alterations to
the activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Practicum in Commercial Photography
130.92(c)
(9) The student develops employability characteristics. The student is expected to:
(C) demonstrate skills related to seeking and applying for employment to find and obtain
a desired job, including identifying job opportunities, developing a resume’ and letter of
application, completing a job application, and demonstrating effective interview skills;
(D) maintain and update portfolio to document work experiences, licenses, certifications
and work samples; and
(E) demonstrate skills in evaluating and comparing employment opportunities.
Reading I, II, III
110.47(b)
(1) The student uses a variety of word recognition strategies. The student is expected to:
(A) apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondences, language structure, and context to
recognize words; and
(B) use reference guides such as dictionaries, glossaries, and available technology to
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determine pronunciations of unfamiliar words.
(2) The student acquires an extensive vocabulary through reading and systematic word study.
The student is expected to:
(A) expand vocabulary by reading, viewing, listening, and discussing;
(B) determine word meanings through the study of their relationships to other words and
concepts such as content, synonyms, antonyms, and analogies;
(4) The student comprehends texts using effective strategies. The student is expected to:
(A) use prior knowledge and experience to comprehend;
(B) determine and adjust purpose for reading;
(C) self-monitor reading and adjust when confusion occurs by using appropriate
strategies;
(D) summarize texts by identifying main ideas and relevant details;
Public Speaking I, II, III
110.57 (b)
(4) Organization. The student organizes speeches. The student is expected to:
(B) organize speeches effectively for specific topics, purposes, audiences, and occasions;
(7) Delivery. The student uses appropriate strategies for rehearsing and presenting speeches.
The student is expected to:
(C) develop verbal, vocal, and physical skills to enhance presentations;
College and Career Readiness Standards
Cross-Disciplinary Standards
I. Key Cognitive Skills
D. Academic behaviors
1. Self-monitor learning needs and seek assistance when needed.
2. Use study habits necessary to manage academic pursuits and requirements.
3. Strive for accuracy and precision.
4. Persevere to complete and master tasks.
Tasks
 Students will create a career portfolio.
Activities
Have students create a portfolio using the Portfolio Guidelines. They will choose a sample of their
current work to add to the portfolio and evaluate each entry by completing the Student Reflection Sheet
before adding the document to the folder. Inform the students that it is expected they keep the
portfolio for the following year.
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website (cte.unt.edu).
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Preparation
 If possible, display each form on projector screen
 Copy the handout sheets and rubric for the students
 Have materials ready prior to the start of the lesson.
Instructional Aids
1. Student handouts
Materials Needed
2. Portfolio computer-based presentation
3. Portfolio Guidelines
4. Student Reflection Sheet
5. Three-Ring Notebook Paper protectors
6. Dividers
Resources
Office of Research, Office of Educational Research and Improvement
(OERI) of the U.S. Department
of Education, http://www.ed.gov/pubs/OR/ConsumerGuides/classuse.html
Do an Internet search for “Kimeldorf, Martin, Portfolio Library and Selected Works”
Equipment Needed
 Teacher computer
 Projector (for digital presentation)
Introduction
Learner Preparation


Ask students what the benefits of using portfolios are.
Ask students what employers are looking for in job applicants.
Lesson Introduction

Explain each form in detail and check for understanding.
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Outline
MI
OUTLINE
I.Portfolio definition
A. Reflects a student's interests and
achievements
B. Exhibits a sample of a student’s work
that purposefully represents his or her
efforts, progress, and achievements in
one or more areas
C. Includes a student’s participation in
selecting the contents, the criteria for
selection, the criteria for judging merit,
and evidence of the student’s selfreflection
II. Student portfolio components
A. Cover sheet – identifies the student
B. Table of contents – listing of entries
C. Letter of Introduction – introduces the
student
D. Application – practical exercise that
displays "real world skills"
E. Résumé – student qualifications
F. Academic skills – an entry from areas
showcasing growth in content and real
world skills, with a reflection sheet for
every item
G. Transcript – provides the official record
of a student's coursework and testing
H. Letters of recommendation – show how
others view a student
I. Special interests and awards – special
interests and awards achieved in or
outside of school; a vital part of a
student's total package
NOTES TO TEACHER
Have students brainstorm and
list attributes they think
employers look at or look for
in prospective employees.
Discuss how the images they
post to social networking
websites and the email
address names they choose
can affect their ability to get a
job. Show examples, real or
created, of social networking
websites and/or email
addresses that might cause a
potential employer to
disregard an application. Use
the Discussion Rubric for
assessment.
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III. Benefits of the portfolio process
A. Students will benefit from tangible proof
of their abilities and achievements
B. Intangible benefits come from closer selfassessment
C. Students develop a sense of pride and
ownership from collecting their best
work
D. A portfolio provides future employers,
scholarship committees, or entrance
committees additional evaluation tools
II. Maintaining the portfolio
A. Appearance – neat and clean
B. Update – insert best work
C. Evaluate – reflect on work collected in
the portfolio
D. Replacement – insert new work,
displaying a greater mastery of skills
III. Teachers are encouraged to be a mentor or
wise advisor to the student during the
preparation of the portfolio
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Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic
Visual/Spatial
Application
Guided Practice
 The teacher will go over each form individually and thoroughly. It is extremely important that all
students understand what is required of them in order to complete the assignment.
Summary
Review
 Why is it important to develop a career portfolio?
 What important components should be included in a career portfolio?
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
 Discussion rubric
 Individual work rubric
Formal Assessment
 Portfolio rubric
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Student Portfolio Guidelines
Student portfolios should include:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Cover sheet – identifies the student
Table of contents – listing of entries
Letter of Introduction – introduces the student
Application – practical exercise that displays "real-world skills"
Résumé – student qualifications
Academic skills – an entry from areas showcasing growth in content and real-world skills,
with a reflection sheet for every item
G. Transcript – provides the official record of a student's coursework and testing
H. Letters of recommendation – show how others view a student
I. Special interests and awards – special interests and awards achieved in or outside of school;
a vital part of a student's total package
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Portfolio Reflection Sheet
Name_____________
_____
Date_____________
_______
Describe the portfolio item:
Explain the purpose for including the item:
Discuss what you learned, its importance to you, and what improvement you can make:
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing to
achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while offering
helpful recommendations to others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions or
requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas clearly
and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
9
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
10
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Portfolio Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Visual Appeal
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Letter of Introduction
Application
Letters of Recommendation
Résumé
Work Sample 1 + Reflection
Work Sample 2 + Reflection
Work Sample 3 + Reflection
Work Sample 4 + Reflection
Certificates & Awards
Total Points (48 pts.)
Comments:
11
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