Session Title: Making Connections: Supporting Reflection for Learning Through Electronic Portfolios
Resources: Download Slide Presentation
Time & Date: 11:50 A.M. – 12:35 P.M., Thursday, June 18, 2009
Location: Rm. 182, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC)
Session Description: Reflection is the cornerstone of deep learning and also of effective electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) practice. The reflective thinking that students are encouraged to complete to demonstrate their learning is perhaps the most important part of developing one’s ePortfolio. However, what exactly does reflection look like? What evidence is needed to “prove” that students have truly internalized, transferred or had a transformative learning experience? This session outlines four criteria, from the work of Carol Rodgers, for reflection. We present evidence from student ePortfolios in the Speech Communication, Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies, and Accounting and Financial Management programs to demonstrate how students “make connections” between their learning experiences and in different learning contexts. These reflections suggest that this ability is developmental and acquired over time. The implications of this for faculty designing learning experiences will be discussed as we present learning designs from three different programs. The panelists will also provide a variety of examples of reflective activities which are suitable for use in different courses and programs. We will also discuss best practices to support the collection and presentation of the evidence of student learning.
Conference Stream: Learning & Teaching
Session Format: Panel Discussion
Co-Presenter: Katherine Lithgow
Co-Presenter Bio: Katherine Lithgow works with faculty and Instructional Technologies and Multimedia Services(ITMS) managing on-campus ePortfolio initiatives. She also helps instructors design course-related online activities, advising on how to effectively use the online environment.
Co-Presenter: Tracy Penny Light
Co-Presenter Bio: Tracy Penny Light teaches History at St. Jerome’s University and uses ePortfolios in her courses. She also works with individuals and institutions to implement ePortfolios on their campuses.
Co-Presenter: Bob Sproule
Co-Presenter Bio: Bob Sproule teaches a large first year introductory business course. Bob has been working with ePortfolios over the past four years and co-ordinates annually over 25 Program and course based reflective activities.