Portfolio Development for Preservice Teachers. Fastback 379.

Overview & Synopsis

This pamphlet describes the process of beginning to use portfolios in an elementary teacher training program. It defines the concept of portfolios and provides a rationale for their use in teacher education programs. Portfolios are suggested for use in preservice teacher education in three ways: to evaluate the preservice teacher education program, to enhance and document active student learning, and to provide students with a personal marketing tool after graduation. The pamphlet describes the portfolio process, including the six steps involved in adopting portfolios for documenting professional growth in a teacher education program: adopt a philosophy statement; decide on outcomes that reflect the teacher education program; determine the purposes for using portfolios; select specific types of artifacts that students will include; decide a process for implementing portfolios; and write a manual to serve as a guide for faculty and students. The pamphlet concludes that the portfolio development process has energized faculty to continue their best efforts in facilitating the professional growth of future teachers. (JDD)