The Learning Portfolio

THE “WHY” 
A learning portfolio serves as an effective way for you to:

1) archive your writing assignments;
2) share your writing with an audience that is not limited to your instructor;
3) monitor your own progress, both from the perspective of your developing understanding of the ideas you express and the way you present those.

Your various interactions during class in peer reviews with respect to your writing have the general objective of allowing you to connect with classmates and your instructor in a focused discussion; encouraging you to ask questions, give opinions and share information; and helping you better understand the role of writing in shaping effective communication within a particular community.

THE “HOW” 
Traditionally, learning portfolios have been based on single-draft hard copies submitted to an instructor by an individual student. This format generally has led to one-way communication, from the student to the teacher and back to the student. In SIE2016, the learning portfolio is ‘soft,’ either in a blog, Google doc or dropbox format, as selected by your instructor. Each of these platforms allows for a conversation to take place around your submissions and within a ‘community of practice.’ They also make for easy access. For more on blogging the learning portfolio, see The Learning Portfolio (II)

THE “WHAT” and the ‘WHEN’ 

Posts highlighted in yellow require that you give feedback. Your 'comments' on classmates’ posts should be made by the weekend after the posts were first uploaded to your classmates' portfolio. A necessary condition for an assessment of excellent in the portfolio portion of our course grade is that you read and react in writing to at least a total of three classmates’ posts per highlighted blog assignment, and that you do so in a timely manner

Portfolio assignments should be completed as follows:

Week 2 
Submission 1: Descriptive Reflection: Strengths and Challenges in Communicating 
A descriptive reflection in the form of a formal letter on the topic of your communication strengths, weaknesses and goals for the module. This should be 250 to 300 words.

Week 3
Submission 2: Summary_Reader Response 
The first draft of your summary _ reader response for one of the reading articles included in the module Readings. This draft should be 500 to 600 words.

Week 7 
Submission 3: Part of Technical Report 
A draft of at least one main body section of the technical report that you have written. This might include the intro or various sections of the body. This is at the discretion of your instructor.

Week 8 
Submission 4: Analytical Reflection 
Post an analytical reflection on your mock oral presentation experience. In the reflection detail at least two aspects of the presentation process that you need to work on: preparation, your delivery, the use of audio-visuals, teamwork or overall impact. This should be 250-300 words.

Week 12 
Submission 5: Critical Reflection 
 Refer to the goals you set yourself at the start of the course (Blogpost 1). Critically reflect on the extent to which you have achieved (or not) the said objectives. You might also reflect on what you have done, as well as what you would do, to further improve your communication skills.
 Choose one focus of the project and critically reflect on your learning in the project. Discuss specific points, such as presentation skills, writing skills, or teamwork skills. DO NOT just describe what you did and whether you liked it. Rather, explain what you learned about yourself and others in the process. For instance, how has the experience changed your view of learning and, specifically, of written and oral communication? What might you take forward from this project experience? This should be 250 to 300 words.


ASSESSMENT 
Your learning portfolio will be assessed at the end of the term based on the criteria set forth in the rubric. Included in the evaluation will be all drafts of the various assignments, including the quality of the final draft. Your overall development will also be taken into account along with the effort you make in responding to classmates’ submissions. See your instructor for more explanation. The learning portfolio accounts for 20% of your final grade.