Portfolio Review

After reviewing a few e-portfolios, I have found that they are a great tool that can be used to contain all pertinent information about oneself as an educator in a single place online. Important aspects of a portfolio include: a good navigation system to move through webpages, a list personal/academic accomplishments, an example of previous work, etc.  These can be used for personal reflection purposes, or for promotion purposes, such as during a job search.

Some commonalities among these portfolios:
Most contain resumes, standards, philosphies, quotes, lesson plans, evaluations of said lesson plans.

Questions: 

1) What is a teaching e-portfolio?

A teaching portfolio is a collection of samples of an educators work. It can also include typical resume materials, such as levels of education, and where an educator went to school. Generally, an e-portfolio is a website that contains simple navigation between several pages that highlight an educators academic and professional career.

2)Why would I need a teaching portfolio?

There are many reasons why an educator should have a teaching portfolio. One reason is for reflection purposes. If all of your work/material is in one place on-line, you can go back and make comments on how helpful each item was, or what improvements could be made. It is a great tool for professional development. 

Another reason is to promote the work that you have done. Having all of your accomplishments listed in one place, as well as a sample of your work can help during reviews and job interviews.

3)When should I start compiling a portfolio?

Now. I am already working toward a continual professional development as an educator. If I can compile all of my materials, I will be more prepared to enter a school setting and I can continue to reflect on my work to further my development.

4)How should I Start?

I should create a space online, a blog perhaps, and begin by compiling work that I have done in previous semesters. Then, I can continue to add to it whenever I accomplish something new. I already have many complete lesson plans from a previous methods class that would be great in a portfolio.

5) What are some guiding questions for my content area?

What do I know so far about Political Science/History?

What have I accomplished within these fields in relation to education?

Demonstrate knowledge of standards.

How can I use technology in these content areas?