Job Discussion Forums

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Denise,
What did you have to do in a portfolio? Is it a professional portfolio for yourself?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Gordon--

The portfolio was a combination of academic papers and projects; lesson plans and materials that we had designed (either on our own or for class projects); "professional" stuff like CVs, cover letters, certificates, letters of recommendation, etc.; and a position paper that spells out our philosophies on language, language learning, and language teaching. At 9500 words the position paper is considerably smaller than a thesis, but it's just one component of the portfolio.

It's designed to be easily convertible into a professional portfolio: simply remove the academic papers, leave in the lesson products and professional sections, tidy it up a bit, add a few cover notes, and voila--you have a professional portfolio.

It's also something that we started thinking about in our first semester of grad school--saving papers, figuring out how to revise them, etc. Very cumulative and integrative.

d

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Denise, forgive me, but it sounds like a load of waffle and window-dressing. Is it supposed to be the equivalent of a Masters?

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

I had a great portfolio once. It got stolen from my car. It was a requirement for my education minor as an undergrad.

As for the thesis question, I plan to pursue a masters with a thesis. If I ever decide to pursue a PhD I'll be better positioned. Also, I should be able to publish a thesis and published works on a cv look nice.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Marcoregano--

I apologize for getting defensive, but I feel just a tad insulted--you just mocked the most major investment of money and effort that I have ever made. No, it wasn't the "equivalent" of an MA. It was an MA. From a very good school, too.

d

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

The portfolio sounds like a good idea, I think that when I start my MA, I will put one together.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Well said Denise. Sounds like someone is jealous of you.

I wish that all masters programs had students write a portfolio as one of the components. You finish the degree and have something ready for employers. I wish the masters that I plan to pursue had a portfolio as one of its components. I remember a workshop that one of my colleagues once did and they talked about a professional portfolio. It was 5 years ago and wished I'd remembered more about it.

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

It's pretty simple really. Put the best things you've done, the best things your students have done, and all your credentials and references in one pretty little binder. Then take it along to the interview with you. (That is if it isn't stolen the day before interview)

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Denise, please accept my apols....I hadn't realised that the portfolio was only a part of your MA and not the whole shooting match (I was in a rush for class). I honestly like the portfolio idea...a slice of 'artwork' amongst the often humdrum coursework. Tell me this though....does it get the attention it deserves, or is it gathering dust in the attic?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Marcoregano--

You're right--the p'fo is a change from the norm.

Mine, when finished, weighed a good 87 pounds (dramatic embellishment?). When deciding what to bring over to Japan, I chose to leave it behind, but I did bring the professional documents and lesson plans & materials with me--plus I've got everything saved on my laptop, so I can access the papers at any time.

Now there's another idea--an e-portfolio. A couple of students in my program who were far more technically savvy than I am actually did their portfolios online, I think. I wouldn't even have the slightest idea how to attempt such a thing.

d

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Got this off the onestopenglish.com. This is their format for a CV.
I always thought as the main difference is that a CV has more personal info, such as marital status, interests, etc.

Personal details
Education
Foreign languages spoken
Relevant work experience
Interests

Try to avoid too much detail but always include any specific responsibilities that may interest the potential employer, for example, "teacher of English with special responsibility for examination classes". If you have experience of using a wide range of coursebooks and other teaching materials, you might also consider including this as a separate category as this will enhance the impression that you are experienced and knowledgeable in this area.

If, in addition to your full-time employment, you have led a number of workshops or attended various conferences, it can be a good idea to include this information in a general sense as in "I have led workshops on various teaching topics in Turkey, Italy and France and have attended conferences in the UK, Germany and Morocco" rather than listing them all in detail.

Experienced teachers might consider including a highlighted summary of their experience at the top of the CV for quick and easy reference. For example: "I have a total of 8 years’ teaching experience in English as a Foreign Language and have taught in Brazil, Thailand, Poland, Spain and the UK. I have taught both children and adults and have also taught examination classes and Business English".

always include the names of at least two referees who can supply an account of your reliability and/or your performance as a teacher.