Portfolio Guidance: Structure, Diary, Learning Activity, and Referencing

This assignment requires the creation of a portfolio that presents observations and learning activities from a teaching placement experience. The portfolio should include an introduction to the context, a diary of events and critical reflection (max 1800 words), a justification and critical evaluation of a chosen learning activity (max 2700 words), references, and appendices. The learning activity should relate to the observations and demonstrate drawing on relevant literature to inform planning and delivery.

Guidance on writing your Portfolio
Your portfolio should be presented in the following order and must include:
1. An introduction: A brief description of the context within which observations are carried out (eg
type of school/college, rural/city location, year group).
2. The Diary: An ongoing summary in the form of a field diary of events, activities and critical
reflection (you can choose your own diary layout but see the following page for an example of a
diary template): It is useful to write your diary of each session as you go along – do NOT leave this or
you will have forgotten many of your experiences and insights, and this will be reflected in the quality
of your work.
This section should not exceed 1800 words (approximately 100 words per entry). Your diary (in the
form of raw notes) is likely to be longer than this to begin with but you will need to select the most
relevant and appropriate parts to present for the purpose of the portfolio. These entries should
provide a basis for the learning activity.
3. Learning Activity: This section must provide a justification and critical evaluation of your learning
activity. The activity can be with an individual pupil, a small group or with the whole class.
Importantly, the activity must relate to your observations providing you with a cause for introducing
the learning activity. In planning your learning activity, you will need to demonstrate that you have
drawn on relevant literature to inform the planning and delivery of the activity. You should conclude
with a critical evaluation of the impact of the activity with direct reference to relevant literature and
reflective practice. You should also comment on the implications for your practice and/or future
career development. This section will form the most substantial part of your portfolio and should
meet all the learning outcomes (2700 words).
4. References and Appendices: A comprehensive reference list and, if appropriate, appendices if
they are relevant to your work, such as any learning resources used, lesson plans (see later example
in handbook), etc. However, do not insert materials if you do not make reference to them in your
work. Please follow the Harvard system of referencing (see later guidelines).

A diary template: An example you can follow.
Week 1 Class Activities Observation notes
Here you
would give
the date, time
and topic of
lesson/activit
y
Here you
would state
whether
whole
class/small
group/one to
one
Here you would list
the activities
observed
Here you would note your comments on
the activities observed, including any
critical events
Reflection and key Insights gained: Following observation you should reflect on your observation
experience and note any key insights gained
Lesson Plan
Background information

Class/group:
Date:
Subject:
Aims/Learning outcomes
Lesson structure
Time Teacher activity Student activity
Resources
Evaluation
What went well and why?
What would you improve next time and why?

Criteria relevant to this course Weighting
(where
applicable)
Mark
1. Achievement of specified assignment learning outcomes: 30%
Plan, develop and deliver a learning activity to a group of learners or an individual learner
Critically evaluate the impact if the activity with direct reference to relevant literature and
reflective practice
Identify and critically reflect upon key insights gained during the placement and implications for
practice/future career development
2. Structure, organisation and presentation of the coursework: 15%
3. Use of sources (including referencing and bibliography): 15%
4. Application of theory, use of principles and concepts 20%
5. Evidence of analytical, critical and independent thinking 20%
Total 100%
The above table is a learning outcome criteria which may help. 4,000 is not necessary as
3,700 will be sufficient enough.