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

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
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


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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
There 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

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
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Chronological Record,
Life History Paper (Optional)
Goals Paper
Educational and Career Plan
Documentation
16
Documentation
Types of Documentation

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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 Emails
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
TYPE
USE
Master  To hold all
Portfolio documentation
 Catalyst for
reflection/
change
BENEFIT
Assists
candidate to
collect material
in one location
 Increases
self-awareness
and confidence

20
Types and Uses of Portfolios
TYPE
USE
BENEFIT
 To demonstrate
 Identifies
Job
Search competency related transferable skills
Portfolio to the requirements to improve resume
of a specific position
 Can be referenced
in interview
 Assists candidate
to research and
document job
competencies
Demonstrates
commitment,
knowledge and
organizational
skills to employer

21
Types and Uses of Portfolios
TYPE
USE
BENEFIT
To demonstrate
 Connects and
Course
Challenge competency in a integrates past
specific course/ learning
program area to  Credit received for
receive academic prior learning saves
credit
time and money
and improves
access to
educational
programs
22
Types and Uses of Portfolios
TYPE
Career/
Life
Planning
USE
To reflect on
one’s life for the
purpose of goal
setting
 Can identify
strengths and
barriers to
success.

BENEFIT
Connects and
integrates past
learning
 Sheds light on
future planning

23
Types and Uses of Portfolios

Job Promotion

Personal Development/Healing

Legacy Portfolio
24