STUDENT PORTFOLIO

Digital Version

Introduction

Purpose

A portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that exhibits to the student and others the achievement in a given area. The portfolio can be used to help students relate classroom assignments and activities to the skills they will need as practicing health educators. It is also the foundation of the development of a professional file that can be helpful for job seeking, performance documentation, and promotion. The file can also assist the student in pursuing graduate studies. A professional portfolio can provide the framework for facilitating professional growth. Professional development is generally accepted to mean a lifelong process where an individual strives to enhance knowledge base, improve judgment, refine skills, remain current with the profession, and be innovative and creative in regards to problem solving. In essence, the portfolio can help one expand and further develop his or her repertoire of knowledge and skills.

 

Pros and Cons

Many attempts at developing portfolios have resulted in bulkiness and difficult physical management. The solutions seem to lie in a combination of factors including careful organization, reduction in the volume of evidence, better categorical classifications, and use of online modes of delivery.

 

Format

Directions

Construct and compile materials for your portfolio in professional looking binders. You must have a title page, comprehensive table of contents, and sub-title pages for all major sections of your project. You should incorporate images and art work using appropriate software like Microsoft PowerPoint. Your portfolio may include paperwork, pictures, examples of work and projects, videos, and other electronic material including DVD’s and CD’s.

 

Option #1

You may develop a concise professional file which represents a curriculum vita supported by an extensive appendix with appropriate documentation.

 

Option #2

You may develop a comprehensive portfolio complete with all details and inclusions in one single volume.

 

Option #3 (The option you'll follow for Health 3100)

You may develop a digital portfolio with web pages professionally organized with the following components:

 

SECTION I.  BACKGROUND INFORMATION (Approximately. 10-12 pages)
 

§  Short autobiography including why you decided to become a health promoter/educator (maximum - 1 page - on a second page that can be updated later, include professional goals, strengths, plans for continued professional development.

§  Updated resume or Professional Vita. Follow standard guidelines for formatting a resume or follow this Vita example: http://faculty.weber.edu/molpin/vita.htm

§  Transcript of course work, certificates of training, etc.)

§  Philosophy of health education (maximum of 1 page)

§  Two letters of reference (academic and professional sources).

§  Professional goals and objectives.

§  Volunteer experiences (list under headings with a brief description of your duties and experiences)

§  Photos (a few photos illustrating bulletin boards, projects, special events, teaching strategies you have used, e.g., cooperative learning)

§  Credentials thus far (current transcript, certificates for special training, teaching certificate where applicable)

§  Newspaper clippings of awards, service activities, and honors WHILE IN COLLEGE

 

SECTION II. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION

 

§  Guidelines from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing

 

§  Coursework Related to CHES Competencies - Course descriptions - Use the course description from the catalog and the course outline. Add any details that will help the reader to understand the nature of the course. Where applicable relate the course to the seven competencies for an entry-level health educator.

 

§  Class Assignments Related to CHES Competencies - Include major class assignments, with assignments done for the same class arranged in the same section.

 

§  Class & Internship Artifacts

§  Recordings of teaching

§  Unit plans

§  Lesson plans

§  Assessments

§  Pictures of projects completed

 

SECTION III. PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION

 

§  Extracurricular Involvement

§  Committee work & student government

§  Volunteer work at health related agencies

§  Special projects or research.

 

§  Professional information

§  Membership in professional organizations

§  Leadership positions in professional organizations

§  Letters of commendation

§  Awards and certificates

 

SECTION IV. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

§  Professional Journey

§  A diary or log of your professional pursuits.

§  Reflections, thoughts and reactions

 

§  Professional Development Plan - Establish professional goals and objectives for three to five years. May include a myriad of activities such as (Artifacts related to the achievement of the goals should be retained for documentation):

§  Earning another degree in a related field.

§  Earning a graduate degree.

§  Becoming CHES certified.

§  Attending professional conferences.

§  Volunteering for a community health agency.

§  Working in a health promotion/health education setting.