ERIC Number: EJ1278986
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2157-622X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Reflecting, Integrating, and Communicating Knowledge through ePortfolios to Increase Civic and Scientific Literacy
Conefrey, Theresa; Smyth, Davida
International Journal of ePortfolio, v10 n1 p1-18 2020
Many students view their classes as separate and disconnected from each other and their lives beyond the classroom. Additionally, STEM students may fail to understand how concepts and formulas of introductory classes relate to practical applications of upper-division coursework and may perceive required general education courses as even less relevant. We suggest that implementing ePortfolios throughout students' academic programs can ameliorate this curricular fragmentation by bringing coherence and cohesion. Using their ePortfolios, students can reflect on connections between concepts and content inside and outside their major as well as other highimpact practices such as undergraduate research and intensive writing. Using examples drawn from the natural sciences and humanities, we demonstrate how ePortfolio pedagogy can help integrate curricular knowledge into solutions for authentic, real-world STEM problems to increase student motivation and understanding of the applications of their learning. Furthermore, it can help students develop the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to share their learning with a wide variety of audiences including instructors, program assessors, potential employers, and community members. Finally, we discuss how ePortfolios have the potential to enhance students' digital citizenship and civic scientific literacy to foster civic engagement upon graduation.
Descriptors: Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Teaching Methods, Portfolios (Background Materials), Student Motivation, STEM Education, Communication Skills, Scientific Literacy, Student Attitudes, Scientific Concepts, Undergraduate Students, Student Research, Writing (Composition), Problem Solving, Citizen Participation, Civics
Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Georgia. North Instructional Plaza, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602. e-mail: ijep@vt.edu; Web site: http://www.theijep.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

Peer reviewed
