Artifact: Annotated Article
Date: October. 2007
Course: Practicum ADHE
Competency: Knowledge of learning approaches and principles

In this article, Brown (2002) summarizes the process of portfolio development and describes some of their uses in adult learning in relation to different learning theories.
Brown describes how portfolio development can engender adult learning process, noting that participants are able to reflect on the role of experiential learning in their own development as teachers. For example, through the completion of portfolios pre-service teachers become more aware of the importance of learning in a number of less traditional learning sites. Brown (2002) also discusses how portfolio development can enable social learning through enhancing social networks and mentor relationships. However, the adult learners in her study did not seem to perceive social learning as a significant outcome of portfolio development.

The aspects of Brown’s (2002) study I found the most compelling were the linkages she made between perspective transformation and portfolio development. By reflecting on their own learning they are able to enhance knowledge of themselves and the beliefs and values that are at the foundation of their practice. As part of this practicum, I have been creating my own electronic portfolio and have found that the process has helped me to consider not only what I do as a planner and an instructor but also why I have chosen this profession and what beliefs lie at the heart of the approaches I take.

Although I agree that portfolios enhance learning in a number of ways Brown’s analysis would have been stronger had she concentrated on her central theme: the role of portfolio in engendering reflection, rather than surveying the field of portfolios at large. Nonetheless, this study provided me with insights on the application of portfolios to learning and has helped to clarify the purposes in designing my own e-Portfolio and in helping others do the same.

References

Brown J. (2002) Know Thyself: The Impact of Portfolio Development on Adult Learning. Adult Education Quarterly, Vol. 52, No. 3,p. 228-245