Learning outcomes:
- LO5: Evaluate the importance of a teaching portfolio and the materials of which it is comprised.
- LO6: Assemble a comprehensive teaching portfolio that acts as a testament to your current experience, goals, and skills as a teacher.
Analyzing teaching portfolios
Earlier in this unit, you were provided with web resources that explored how to go about creating a teaching portfolio (including which documents should be included in the portfolio, and how it should be presented). In preparation for the teaching portfolio component at the end of this unit, it is worth analyzing examples of existing teaching portfolios across various disciplines. Explore the following examples:
- Example portfolios from the Center for Teaching Excellence of the University of Virginia
- Sample professional teaching portfolios from Stellenbosch University
- ePortfolio samples from the University of Lethbridge
When working through the portfolios, it is important to analyze their contents critically and determine whether these materials form a cohesive narrative that aligns with their professed teaching philosophies.
- What is done well within these portfolios? What, if anything, could have been improved?
- Why is it important to create a teaching portfolio? How do these portfolios act as a representation of their authors?
Note:
The aim of this activity is to encourage you to start considering your own teaching portfolios to determine what should be included and how best to present yourself and your teaching through your portfolio.