Teaching Resource Center
University of Virginia

Practical Points for Teaching Portfolios

(Adapted from Peter Seldin, "Using Teaching Portfolios in Educational Development,"
Workshop at Wroxton Abbey, Oxon, England, April 28-29, 1997)

1. Include the date of the portfolio
2. Include a descriptive table of contents.
3. Include a list of appendices (all cross-referenced to the portfolio statement).
4. Include specific details about which courses have been taught.
5. Use specific examples to illustrate points, e.g. , the name of a conference attended, what was learned, and how it \\'as applied.
6. Seek coherence among portfolio sections: for example, if you state that you use cases, include a sample case and comments from students about what they learned from cases.
7. Include in the section about student evaluation comments the course number and title, the number of students enrolled and number responding to the questions, and core questions and answers.
8. Limit the number of student comments you include in the statement. But you might choose to make all student evaluations available as an appendix.
9. The student comments you include should relate to the teaching strategies or methodologies that you have otherwise included.
10. When referring to observers' comments or peer review reports, include the name of the reviewer, position, course observed, and date of observation.
11. Number the pages, including the pages in the appendices.
12. List bulky items such as videotapes, annotate them in the appendix, and make them available upon request.
13. Limit the length of the teaching portfolio narrative to 7-8 pages.
14. For many people, a three-ring binder proves to be the best portfolio container .