In some further and higher education programmes, portfolios—a compilation of materials both written and visual—are widely used to enable students to put together a good overview of the knowledge they have gained and personal reflections on this.
The sixth and final Module on the LINC programme gives students the task of building ‘a portfolio of learning’. Students are given the opportunity and are encouraged to start gathering pieces of evidence of their learning from the programme for their portfolio from Module 3 onwards. These portfolios are regularly reviewed and evaluated by their tutor. The feedback given allows the student make adjustments if necessary, or add to their portfolios further with supplementary evidence, which in turn could further enhance their professional and personal development.
For example, evidence in picture format where students can then showcase their linkage of theory to practice in areas on inclusion in their setting. Additionally, photos or graphics—together with their thoughts and ideas—can further show the learning and knowledge gained from the LINC Programme. A student’s portfolio, when completed, can be an excellent means of assessment and enables them to communicate their learning from the programme to a wider audience.
Students’ portfolios will be by nature a ‘storybook’ which will capture their progression and learning journey throughout the academic year on the LINC Programme. Each piece of evidence, reflection or achievement a student has documented in their LINC portfolio may have been selected by them because it is an authentic representation of what their learning means to them and what it is meant to demonstrate to others.
Along with their current knowledge and skills, their LINC portfolio has the potential to assist with their professional inclusion practices in their future role as INclusion COordinator (INCO) in their Early Learning and Care settings.
Paula Harte
LINC Programme Tutor
You may also like:
Keeping it Social with Múinteoir Catherine
In this edition of our blog, the LINC team catches up with Múinteoir Catherine after she finishes her daily interaction with the children from her naíonra. LINC graduate and Inclusion Coordinator Catherine Allen has worked in the early years sector for...
A Trip Down Memory Lane and the Power of Nursery Rhymes for Children and Adults!
I was lucky enough to teach 4-5 year olds for over ten years. Among my favourite moments each week was teaching a nursery rhyme. During initial teacher education, one of my heroes was Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852), often referred to as the ‘Father of...
Government Led Initiative Brings Key Stakeholders Together to Focus on Play
Government-Led Initiative Brings Key Experts Together to Focus on Play Let's Play Ireland Campaign Aiming to Support Families and Children During Challenging Period The Let's Play Ireland campaign led by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs is a...