Portfolios in Context: A Comparative Study in Two Preservice Teacher Education Programs

From Section:
Trends in Teacher Education
Published:
Dec. 24, 2009
Winter, 2009

Source: Journal of Research on Technology in Education, Volume 42 , Number 2 (Winter 2009).
Portfolio authoring tools within teacher preparation institutions have changed dramatically as portfolios have moved from paper to electronic formats and now to the Web.

This study used Engeström's Cultural- Historical Activity Theory (1987) to examine how portfolio tools, along with external influences and institutional contexts, mediate the experiences of preservice teachers creating program-required portfolios.

The analysis revealed the networked nature of portfolio authorship and tensions arising from the network of activity. The findings can help accreditation officials, college administrators, and portfolio leaders better understand the impact of these programs on preservice teachers in order to inform policy and implementation.

Reference
Engeström, Y. (1987). Learning by expanding: An activity-theoretical approach to developmental research. Helsinki: Orienta-Konsultit.


Updated: Jan. 17, 2017
Keywords:
Comparative analysis | Portfolio assessment | Portfolios | Preservice teachers | Teacher education programs