Classroom Learning Theory

Portfolio

 

A portfolio is a purposeful collection of artifacts and reflective entries that represent an individual's professional understanding and growth.  It is not a collection of all work completed. Your portfolio is a sampling of your best work.  For Classroom Learning Theory, the portfolio is a semester-long project and should represent your growth as a learner and educator.  I require certain materials, but you are responsible for deciding the remaining contents and how it is organized and presented.  The portfolio is due in class on December 3.

 

Required items:

1) Cover letter

The cover letter introduces you as an educator. It explains the contents of the portfolio in terms of how the contents represent your growth and development this semester toward becoming the type of educator you hope to be.

2)     Statement of classroom management philosophy and classroom design

This section has two parts: the statement and the design.  The statement contains

what you consider to be the most important component or aspect of classroom

management.  It is your philosophy of classroom management.  You will justify

the physical arrangement of your classroom to your philosophy of classroom

management. 

The second part is the graphic representation of your classroom on a separate sheet

of paper.  You may use the first drawing from your assignment at the beginning of

the semester.  You can also revise that one or create a new one.

3) Reference list  

 Include a reference list of resources explored this semester.  Follow the American Psychological Association (APA) (5th edition) for the reference list.  Use the references from your group presentation and any additional readings done this semester. On a separate sheet annotate two references (minimum) from your group presentation (one to two sentence summary of the contents) using the APA guidelines.

4) Definitions of teaching and learning

Provide a one-page discussion of your evolving definitions of teaching and learning.  Discuss the changes from your initial definition in Introduction to Education to the conclusion of this semester. Describe the changes, if any, and tell why or how they occurred.  Compare your definition to the different theories on development and learning studied this semester.  

5)  Non-Written (graphic) depiction of the contemporary learner

Create a model or portrayal of the contemporary learner.  Explain your

rationale for the depiction and its relevance for the contemporary learner.

6) Your choices

All other items included in the portfolio are your choice (maximum of three).  Each item that you add to your portfolio should provide evidence of your evolution as a professional and to your growth as a learner.  For each item, attach your rational for its inclusion on a separate sheet of paper.  Explain what the evidence is and why it is evidence of your evolution.

Consider the following as additional items for inclusion:

l An explanation/discussion of your educational philosophy and any changes it has undergone in the last few semesters.

 

l Something you did or learned that was difficult.

l Something learned which was new.

lSomething where you need to keep searching for ideas.

lReflection on evaluations from field experience - self and teacher’s.

lEvidence of growth as a scholar-practitioner (refer specifically to tenets).

lIf there is a paper of which you are particularly proud, you can include it.

lOthers   

 

Evaluation:

For each area of evaluation the following criteria will be used:

Content

Excellent:    

lShows considerable judgment in choices and format of content

lAll required information included as designated (format, number, drawing/depiction, rationale, additional items)

lUnique presentation of ideas. 

Any additional information contributes significantly to understanding and is reflective of the individual as a professional and learner.

Good:         

lSome evidence of judgment concerning the content

lMajority of required information included - some may be questionable; format and details questionable or unclear in places

lSome detail or explanation of why additional items were chosen and their relevance for the individual's growth and development

Needs Improvement:       

lLittle evidence of any judgment or thought in terms of what was to be included and why

lSeveral required items not included.

 

Presentation

Excellent:    

lWell-organized and professional in appearance

l Clear and unambiguous in the layout of materials

lWriting is clear and easy to follow

lConscientious of writing mechanics

lBibliographic information correctly done

lDescriptions in selections that do not require formal writing are clear and unambiguous.

Good:

lProfessionalism not as evident

lSomewhat organized with information in some order - questionable in places

lWriting questionable and unclear in places (meaning and relationships). 

lSome coordination of information is evident.

Needs Improvement:       

lLittle evidence of any organization or professionalism

lMaterials are sloppy and incoherent due to ineffective writing

lPoor writing mechanics

lLittle regard for how the contents are presented  

 

Expression

Excellent:    

lClear evidence of reflection, i.e., (a) interpretations, (b) perceptions, and (c) relationships among ideas are generated with several inferences made

l Ideas articulated clearly with ample evidence provided for them

Good:         

lSome reflection shown as indicated in the limited relationships and inferences shown  lIssues discussed are at surface level with little thought or analysis provided 

lIdeas are unclear and ambiguous in places with some explanation or evidence provided for understanding

Needs Improvement:       

lLittle reflection shown

lIdeas presented rather haphazardly with questionable connections, if any

l Few relationships indicated with minimal, if any, inferences generated

 

Creativity is encouraged in every area and will be viewed favorably when used for self-expression and to convey the uniqueness of the individual.

 

Grades:

The following combinations of ratings will be required for a grade of:

A        EEE, EGE, EEG

B        GEE, EGG, GEG, GGE, GGG

C        GGN, GNG, NGG          

D       NNN, NGN, NNG, GNN