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As you select the items to include in your portfolio, remember that there is no ideal number of documents or artifacts. You want to have enough evidence to make your case, but not so much that you overwhelm the reader. You will probably have more artifacts for some competencies than others. Furthermore, you will probably not be able to demonstrate "equal" ability in every area. Comparisons are difficult since we can't quantify most abilities the same way we measure distance or area. Also, few of us are good at "everything." I have noted elsewhere that the documents you select will not "stand for themselves." The reason why you have selected a particular artifact to provide evidence of your capabilities in a given area will not be self-evident to the reader. What is there that is unique or special about this item? Why have you chosen this? How does it show progression or development of skills? Where do you think you are on a continuum from, say, "weak" to "outstanding" on a 5 point scale. Beware of the "Lake Woebegone effect." We can't all be above average! A note about audio and video materials. Some of you may want to include video clips of things like class presentations or testimony from others about your capabilities. While these are certainly permissible, it is not clear at this writing (July 17th) whether we will have the full capability to use such materials by the conclusion of the class. No portfolios will receive a lower evaluation because of lack of audio/video materials. Remember that your portfolio is dynamic. You may select a given set of materials to provide evidence now, only to conclude 6 months from now that a somewhat different set of materials would better serve your purposes. After the experience of fall semester, you may have a somewhat different perspective on your abilities, and you will no doubt have additional evidence from fall coursework. Continual updating of the portfolio is really a reflection of the broader purpose of your educational experience (lifelong learning). |
Copyright © 2008 Gerald M. Myers
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