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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