Lesson 4.1: Collaborative Reflection

Content Overview: Reflection should be iterative, meaning it should be done periodically and repeatedly. Each time you revisit an area of your professional growth to reflect on your progress, deeper understanding of your practice leads to its improvement. In addition to your own reflective activities, additional layers of professional growth can be achieved through collaborating with colleagues while you are in the initial stages of reflection and portfolio development.

Activity 4.1.A: Cooperative Development

Research upholds the benefits of group learning. Forming a professional learning community [1] around portfolio development may revitalize your practice and that of your colleagues in unimagined, dynamic ways.

To determine whether or not you are interested in collaborative portfolio development, read the first three sections of the following webpage: [2]. In your Windows portfolio file, jot your responses to what you read: what are some advantages and disadvantages to collaborating with others in the work of portfolio development?

If you decide that collaborating with others is rewarding and will enrich your professional growth, make a list of 3 - 5 colleagues who you believe might be interested in documenting their teaching effectiveness through a portfolio. When you are completing Step 6 of Activity 4.1.B, include a sentence that invites colleagues to join you. When you are completing Step 8, send your email to those on this "Collaborators Wishlist".

When your group is formed, use the ProDAIT source [3] to guide your group work sessions.

Activity 4.1.B: Essential Questions

Asking essential questions within your portfolio invites viewers to examine your work from an ever-changing perspective. It extends the reflective process. It yields commentary that provides constructive critique. This critique, when used authentically, can improve and enrich your practice of teaching and learning.

To formulate and pose meaningful essential questions, complete the following steps, taking notes in your Windows Portfolio file:

1. Peruse this resource [4]to form ideas of what essential questions are/are not;

2. Open your WordPress portfolio page and read your clinical reflection;

3. Determine one or two areas of feedback you would like to receive regarding your presented work;

4. Using your understanding of essential questions, formulate one or two questions that will prompt your viewers to respond to the aspect of your work for which you desire feedback;

5. Place the essential question(s) at the end of your post and invite comments;

6. Draft a short email in which you explain that you are developing a teaching portfolio and you are seeking feedback;

7. Copy the URL of your WordPress portfolio page and include it in the email;

8. Send the email to selected colleagues and/or peers;

9. Reflect on comments and determine how they impact your professional growth;

10. Respond back - on your portfolio page - by sharing how others' commentary is impacting your practice.

You have done it! You have successfully completed one circuit through the five stages of portfolio development! This is a major professional accomplishment of which you can be very proud! In order to determine your next steps, go to Mini-Course Concluding Activities.

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