RAPPORT
WWW.RECORDINGACHIEVEMENT.ORG
Issue 1 (2015)
The International Journal for
Recording Achievement,
Planning and Portfolios
Reflections on the typology
Shane Sutherland, PebblePad
Abstract:
This response to the typologies paper of Janet Strivens suggests that, while such an approach provides
a welcome contribution to a necessary debate, the focus should be more fully upon the portfolio as a
presentational device (including presentation to the author). While the typologies presented by
Strivens, emphasise presentation of self (‘me’ portfolios), an increasing focus in the UK at least is upon
task-oriented portfolios where the demonstration of engagement or achievement rather than personal
development is to the fore. The primary contention here is that the interplay between underlying factors
(the focus of the message contained within the portfolio, the nature of the content, and the expectations
of the audience) will determine whether the portfolio presentation tends towards the narrative style, the
collection, or the competency style – in essence - determining the format of the portfolio.
This paper is written in response to Strivens’
timely and ambitious attempt to provide structure
and shared understanding for our conversations
about eportfolios.
The considerable increase in academic articles,
conferences and academic practice testifies to the
fact that eportfolio use is becoming more
prevalent, more significant and more central to
many courses, professional programmes and
accreditations. As the community of users
expands it is essen