Classroom Learning Theory
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.
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
For each area of evaluation
the following criteria will be used:
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.
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