On the 24th of July, the Department of Physiology at Prinshof Campus was honored to host Dr. Ina Louw for an insightful session on compiling academic career portfolios. This enriching event was initiated by Prof. Janette Bester from our department, who invited Dr. Louw to share her expertise.

Teaching Portfolio Session Highlights

Dr. Louw's presentation, titled "Compiling an Academic Career Portfolio," was a comprehensive guide that covered essential components such as personal characteristics, teaching philosophy, and the importance of self-evaluation and reflection. She emphasized the need for portfolios to include evidence of instructional practices, impact as a teacher, and a detailed self-evaluation of teaching effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

• Personal Characteristics and PEAKS: Dr. Louw introduced the PEAKS framework, highlighting Personal Characteristics, Experience, Accomplishments, Knowledge, and Skills. She stressed the importance of these elements in creating a compelling teaching portfolio.

• Teaching Philosophy: One of the session's main goals was to help attendees craft a clear and reflective teaching philosophy. Dr. Louw encouraged educators to express their passion for teaching and to ensure that their philosophy is a living document, regularly updated to reflect growth and new insights.

• Self-Evaluation: Dr. Louw underscored the significance of self-evaluation, urging educators to demonstrate their development and growth over time. She shared strategies for writing a reflective narrative that effectively showcases teaching effectiveness and the impact of student and peer feedback.

• Portfolio Components: The session detailed the necessary components of a teaching portfolio, including a CV in the UP template, self-evaluation of research and community engagement, teaching track record, peer reviews, and student feedback.

Interactive and Supportive Environment

The session was designed to be interactive, with Dr. Louw encouraging full participation and open discussion. She addressed various questions from the attendees, ensuring that everyone left with a clear understanding of how to develop and refine their portfolios.

Gratitude and Appreciation

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ina Louw for her time and expertise. Her contributions have equipped our faculty with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their academic careers. Special thanks to Prof. Janette Bester for organizing this enriching session.

For those who could not attend due to work commitments, the presentation slides and additional resources will be shared via email. We look forward to Dr. Louw's continued support and future collaborations.

Stay Warm and Engaged

The session was not only intellectually stimulating but also a warm and welcoming experience, with soup and buns to keep everyone comfortable. We appreciate the spirit of camaraderie and learning that Dr. Louw fostered during her visit.

Looking Ahead

Our department remains committed to academic excellence and continuous professional development. We encourage all faculty members to leverage the insights gained from Dr. Louw's session as they compile and refine their academic portfolios.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this event. Let's continue to strive for excellence in our teaching and academic endeavors.