Concentration: Writing a Statement

Commentary

You are required to include a written commentary with your concentration portfolio. The commentary is not scored but it is your only opportunity to ‘speak’ with the evaluators. The commentary consists of two parts; a statement and an elaboration.

Statement

Think of your concentration statement as a way that you can assist faculty consultants as they view your work. The statement supports your portfolio by informing the work and conveying a sense of the direction of your investigation and the learning that occurred during the process of creating the concentration portfolio.

Prior to beginning work on your first concentration piece reflect and respond to the two items below:

• Clearly and simply state the central idea of your concentration.
• Explain how the work in your concentration demonstrates your intent and the exploration of your idea.

Remember this is a first draft of your statement. Limit it to 100 words and be sure that it contains no information other than your responses to the two items above.

Share your statement with your classmates by posting it to the comments section at the bottom of this page. Review at least two of your classmates statements and provide them with your suggestions, comments, and/or questions.

Next Steps

As you add pieces to your portfolio you’ll reflect on your achievements, challenges, and progress and will gain insight on the process of your work. This will aid you in completing a clear and concise written commentary.

In a future lesson you will be provided with instruction for writing an elaboration which is the second section of your commentary. The elaboration allows you to include additional information and reference specific pieces. When all 12 concentration pieces are complete your commentary will also be complete.

View a sample commentary.