The Teaching Portfolio as a Professional Development Tool for Anaesthetists

Abstract

A teaching portfolio (TP) is a document containing a factual description of a teacher's teaching strengths and accomplishments, allowing clinicians to display them for examination by others. The primary aim of a TP is to improve quality of teaching by providing a structure for self-reflection, which in turn aids professional development in medical education. Contents typically include a personal statement on teaching, an overview of teaching accomplishments and activities, feedback from colleagues and learners, a reflective component and some examples of teaching material. Electronic portfolios are more portable and flexible compared to paper portfolios. Clinicians gain the most benefit from a TP when it is used as a tool for self-reflection of their teaching practice and not merely as a list of activities and achievements. This article explains why and how anaesthetists might use a TP as a tool for professional development in medical education.

Introducing Teaching Portfolio in Medical Colleges: Scope and Components

“…Teaching portfolio refers to set of materials which depict the teaching practice of a teacher, which in turn enriches the process of student learning and is being supported by evidence for the same (Lamki & Marchand, 2006, Sidhu, 2015. It is a dynamic document and represents information about teaching achievements, skills and strategies employed by teachers for facilitation of students' learning.…”

“…The practice of maintaining a teaching portfolio should be looked upon as a vital tool for stimulating the professional development of a teacher predominantly through self-directed learning and reflection of their teaching practices (Table 1). In the process of documentation of educational accomplishments, it is vital that a teacher should start the process well in advance and this has to be in alignment with the periodic updation of the curriculum vitae (Sidhu, 2015, Little-Wienert & Mazzigotti, 2018.…”

“…growth, in terms of annual promotion (Lamki & Marchand, 2006 Collect evidence about the quality of teaching 10 Document the areas in which professional growth is required and the plan which you have to attain the growth aware about your work and educational contribution. In addition, emphasis should be given towards writing down the educational philosophy, and the goals & objectives set for the education (Sidhu, 2015, Little-Wienert & Mazzigotti, 2018, Vallina Pérez, 2008. Further, evidence pertaining to the scholarship of teaching-learning should also be incorporated in the teaching portfolio.…”

“…For documenting the clinical attributes, the details about clinical leadership roles, credits for academic programs, evaluation by the head of the department or other stakeholders, clinical teaching, etc., can be added. From the administrative perspective, a teaching portfolio can include the details about involvement in curriculum committee, member of a dissertation committee, administrative positions held, mentor responsibilities, office-bearer in academic societies can be incorporated (Lamki & Marchand, 2006, Sidhu, 2015. Finally, for the development of education, details about the role in the development of a curriculum, curricular innovations or revision, education material (viz.…”

“…The teaching portfolio can be further strengthened by the addition of details pertaining to serving as an Editorial Board Member, peer-reviewer, poster or podium presentation, grants, organization of a workshop, and involvement as an examiner for peers (Sidhu, 2015, Vallina Pérez, 2008. It is also a good practice to document about the areas in which professional growth is required and the plan which you have to attain the growth.…”