Workshop on Developing a Teaching Portfolio

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The College of Health Sciences Teaching and Learning Office hosted a workshop on developing a teaching portfolio to prepare academics for self-reflection and self-evaluation of their teaching practice and academic career development.

Hosted by Professor Sinegugu Duma, College Dean of Teaching and Learning, the workshop was facilitated by Professor Shenuka Singh who received the 2018 College of Health Sciences Teaching Excellence Award (in the category: Outstanding Contribution to Teaching) and the UKZN Distinguished Teachers’ award in 2019.

Singh emphasised that a teaching portfolio is not simply a collation of teaching material but a “living document” that provides insight into an academic’s outlook and teaching practice. It should thus focus on why a particular teaching strategy or approach was adopted.

‘An academic should show a sound grasp of the assumptions, beliefs and values that underpin his/her teaching practice, and that his/her teaching practice is informed by current educational theories, research, changes, and debates in the affected discipline at a local, national and international level,’ said Singh.

The live interactive session provided a platform for participants to share their challenges and experiences in formulating a teaching portfolio. They were invited to reach out for additional guidance where necessary.

Duma highlighted the need for all the components of a teaching portfolio to form a coherent whole, from the teaching statement or the philosophy that underpins one’s teaching to the methods used as well as supervision of students and peer and student evaluations. She also emphasised the need for mentorship in developing one’s teaching practice. 

In closing, participants were encouraged to consider making nominations for the 2022 UKZN Distinguished Teachers’ Award and reminded of the criteria.

Words: Mandisa Shozi

Photograph: Supplied