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Using e portfolio as a vehicle for patchwork
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Using ePortfolio as a vehicle for patchwork learning in extra-
curricular contextsDavid Croot
Teaching FellowTeaching and Learning Directorate
Plymouth University
Outline
• ePortfolio• Patchwork learning• Extra-curricular context• Evaluation of pilot
ePortfolio• …is a purposeful collection of information and digital
artefacts that demonstrates development or evidences learning outcomes, skills or competencies. The process of producing an ePortfolio (writing, typing, recording etc.) usually requires the synthesis of ideas, reflection on achievements, self-awareness and forward planning; with the potential for educational, developmental or other benefits. Specific types of ePortfolios can be defined in part by their purpose (such as presentation, application, reflection, assessment and personal development planning), pedagogic design, level of structure (intrinsic or extrinsic), duration (episodic or life-long) and other factors."
What is “Patchwork text”?• Classic definition of Patchwork text is “a learning and assessment
process where students build up a final piece of written work through an iterative process of peer feedback and review”.
• However, it may also be more restricted to a developmental learning process owned and managed by a single learner (without the sharing/peer review element) who creates their own learning patches which are then “stitched together” to create a final reflective piece which can then be shared with others. ((Winter, Hungerford et al. 2004)
• The important common element is that these “patches” represent critical learning incidents that may be lost over time between occurrence and final reflection. Learning is revealed as appreciation of interrelationships/connections, not merely remembering and regurgitating information
Is patchwork text methodology worth it?
• “My reflective practice diary has been my lifesaver. When I first started writing I felt like Bridget Jones, and I really could not see how keeping this diary, putting my actions, thoughts and feelings down on paper was going to help me in the assignment or my development. However, six months on, my views have totally changed, agreeing with Hays (2005) who suggests that writing nourishes retrieval and creativity, visualises thoughts and extends the writer's observations into new ideas. She goes on to comment that idea sorting is one of the remarkable powers of written language, in that it doesn't just reflect or communicate your thinking, it actually leads it! Although some argue that the expectation to develop reflective practice diaries in your own time is an imposition on your private life, I can only say the rewards of keeping a diary far outweigh the imposition into my private time”.
• My reflective practice diary has been my lifesaver. When I first started writing I felt like Bridget Jones, and I really could not see how keeping this diary, putting my actions, thoughts and feelings down on paper was going to help me in the assignment or my development. However, six months on, my views have totally changed, agreeing with Hays (2005) who suggests that writing nourishes retrieval and creativity, visualises thoughts and extends the writer's observations into new ideas. She goes on to comment that idea sorting is one of the remarkable powers of written language, in that it doesn't just reflect or communicate your thinking, it actually leads it! Although some argue that the expectation to develop reflective practice diaries in your own time is an imposition on your private life, I can only say the rewards of keeping a diary far outweigh the imposition into my private time.
Extra-curricular context• Plymouth University uses a three-stranded
approach to the student experience:
Student Experience
Curricular
Co-Curricular
Extra-Curricular
Extra-Curricular
• Life-wide personal development• Recognised through the Plymouth Award
scheme• Activities• Reflection• Articulation of learning
Extra-Curricular
CategoriesCultural & Social Awareness Personal Health & Wellbeing Supporting the University
CommunityVolunteering Working Life
Committee member for a sports club or society with UPSU
Organising a social/cultural event with the University
Working in the Chaplaincy
Hall warden or resident assistant with UPP
Journalist or radio presenter at UPSU
Citizens Advice Bureau
Weight management programme with Recreation
Personal fitness programme
Exercise classes with Recreation
Participation with Health & Wellbeing week at the University
Regular participation in planned sporting activities through Recreation or UPSU
Welcome week assistant
Fresher Angel Course Representative Student parliament
with UPSU Student Ambassador
Scheme
All activities organised through the UPSU Volunteer Office
Charity fundraiser Duke of Edinburgh
Scheme University Officer
Training Mentor programmes
at the University or in schools
St John’s Ambulance Citizens Advice
Bureau School Governor
Part time work (paid or voluntary)
SU Sabbatical Officer Student internship Camp America,
BUNAC or CCUSA FLUX or XING Attendance at careers
fairs Business Ideas
Challenge Students in Free
Enterprise (SIFE) CV Clinics at gateway Student Associate
Scheme
Activity Tracker
Time
Reflective portfolio
From undertaking activities within the
categories I have learned...
Thoughts
Additional Documents
September February / March
Final reflection• Draws together the patches and ensures the
student draws learning from the activities.• Developed as an ePortfolio asset and shared
with peers or with evaluator.• Carried forward into later life/career; can be
integrated with other learning strands (curriculum, co-curriculum); can be shared with potential employers.
Evaluation• Over 30% of PU students are “active users” of
ePortfolio (a high proportion), but unevenly distributed.
• Not all students are “native” ePortfolio users.• Some staff are ambivalent (or even hostile) to
ePortfolio.• To date, 400 students registered for extra-curricular
Award (in second year of operation) with 200 completions. By national standards this is a remarkable achievement. Only 50% use ePortfolio. Rest use MS Word.
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