Reflection Statements
Self-reflection may seem out of place in a portfolio, but it can make a difference in how vividly you communicate your knowledge, skills, and personality. Self-reflection helps portfolio reviewers get to know the real, essential, unique YOU.
In a portfolio, self-reflection typically appears in 2 different forms: comments on the artifacts you include in the portfolio and a statement of your career goals and objectives (sometimes called a mission statement).
Artifact Comments
Descriptive/analytical comments on artifacts let others know how you think about your work. They also convey your ability to share knowledge with others.
Read this reflective statement.
"I included this particular lesson plan because it is an example of an evaluation tool used at the end of the term and demonstrates my commitment to authentic assessment. This philosophy is an important part of constructivist learning theory, which guides much of my instructional strategy."
This statement briefly explains both the immediate purpose of the artifact and its “place” in the larger context of curricular goals. The teacher lets us know she didn’t just stumble onto a neat project but is knowledgeable about learning theory and able to translate theory into practice. Her self-awareness suggests that she will be able to generate other such meaningful projects in the future.
Career Goals & Objectives
A reflective statement of your career goals and objectives communicates your interest in your work, your “fit” with your profession, plus relevant personal characteristics, such as your seriousness and your enthusiasm.
The statement should be short, about 3 sentences, and should focus on the next 3-5 years of your career. You can include specifics about job type and/or industry as appropriate.
In addition to providing reviewers with a way to get to know you better, the personal career statement can be a self-help tool, as well. Writing it will help you think about who you are and what is important to you. It will help you crystallize your vision of who you are and where you want to go.
For help in writing a personal career statement, first answer the following questions about yourself:
- Describe yourself using 10 adjectives and no explanation.
- What parts of your personality or skills do you like the best?
- What would you like to change about yourself?
- What is at least one talent or gift you believe you have?
- What makes you happy
Now think about your professional and career goals and compare that to your personal development goals.
- Do they complement one another?
- Are there potential conflicts?
- What are those?
- Any ideas for balancing these two roles?
- What is your ultimate professional goal?
All of the information above is simply there to help you to clarify your life, identify your purpose, and express your deepest values and aspirations. Take this information and synthesize it into 3, 4, or 5 points. That is the foundation of your mission statement.
Keep in mind that your mission statement should be limited to 3 sentences and no more than 30 words. Begin your statement with the words, “My personal career mission is . .” and finish with qualifying words and phrases to describe your mission.
Sample Mission Statements
Instructionl Designer: My chief goal as an Instructional Designer is to maximize the range and effectiveness of technology. I base my design work on careful analysis of users' needs and levels of understanding. I strive to employ design in ways which will enhance/exploit the latent potential of technology to communicate with learners. I apply these Instructional Design values in the development of programs whether they will be used institutionally or independently, collaboratively or individually, as my work to date shows.
K-12 Teacher: My personal career mission is to master the leading Web software development tools and gain greater understanding of educational applications development.
