Running head: PDQP REFLECTION 1

PDQP Reflection

Brittini Wade

National University

June 26, 2019

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Abstract

In this paper, I will discuss my journey on the process of creating my Professional Development

Quest Portfolio. I briefly discuss the frustrations I have experienced and any changes I have

made throughout. I also discuss the lessons I have learned and the implications they have made

on my teaching. I also provide some advice for future students who will be going through this

same process.
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Introduction

Before this course, I had never heard of a Professional Development Quest Portfolio

(PDQP). Initially, this project felt very overwhelming. It seemed that there were a lot of little

parts that I was confused on and unclear about the different expectations. However, after our first

blackboard session where I received clarification, I immediately felt better. I spent a few days

thinking about my teaching practice over the last six years and thought about different artifacts

that I could include. I researched many other portfolios for suggestions on different types of

artifacts as well as read the textbook thoroughly to get as many ideas as I could. Once I sorted

through all of my artifacts and figured out what domain I should upload them to, I started to feel

less and less overwhelmed. The easiest and probably the most fun part was the actual designing

of a webpage. I enjoyed trying new things on my webpage to see what would work best to make

it pleasing to the eye. Now that the PDQP is completed, maintaining and adding new artifacts to

it over the next few years will be the easy part.

Changes and Impact

There have only been a few changes that I have made throughout the project. A few

artifacts have been switched to different domains because I felt they were a better fit for a

different TPE. I have changed the look of the website many times by changing color schemes or

font choices. I also added in some quotes after the artifacts were all uploaded because I felt that

would add a nice, personal touch. I am very proud of my PDQP and am excited to show my

peers and employer. I think this is a great way to be able to reflect on your own teaching practice

and get a chance to show how you are an effective teacher. This process has changed my mindset
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moving forward because I will be reflecting on my teaching on a regular basis to determine the

appropriate domain to be able to include any artifacts.

Achievements, Frustrations, Lessons Learned, and Implications

I am very excited that this project is completed. I cannot believe this is the last project I

will do in order to get my Master’s Degree. I feel that this is a great way to end my formal

education because it allows for changes and upgrades to be made even after my Master’s

program is completed. Fortunately, I am able to update my PDQP as the years go on. I feel that I

have achieved using a variety of artifacts for each domain. One of the frustrations I felt during

this process is that I did not know this would be the culminating project, and because I took it at

the end of the school year I was not able to include certain artifacts that I wanted to. Had I

known about this project earlier, or took it during the school year, I would have been able to

include different types of media. Because of this, I will be more mindful when the school year

begins to make sure I am taking a photo or saving an important artifact that I wish to include. I

would like to include more videos of my students collaborating or videos of me teaching. Being

able to showcase my effectiveness as an educator makes me feel proud of the work I have

accomplished thus far. Having a PDQP will remind me to reflect each year on the performance

expectations that teachers must adhere to so I will be able to include different artifacts when

appropriate.

Advice for Future Students

The first piece of advice I would give to future students is to not stress out! The PDQP is

not meant to be completed in four weeks and then forgotten about. It is a continual quest to be

able to determine an educator’s effectiveness and how they can showcase that with different
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artifacts. There is a lot that goes into the initial development of it, but after the first week, things

will go much more smoothly. I think everyone should be reminded that this is an opportunity

where you get to make something that is unique to you and your teaching philosophy. When

selecting artifacts, try to include as many different types of media as possible. Mixing it up and

using a variety of artifacts will make your PDQP much more enjoyable to look at. Sharing your

PDQP with other classmates or colleagues is a great way to get constructive feedback. I

appreciated the advice from other students who made suggestions on what I could do to my

PDQP to make it even better. As teachers, we strive for our students to participate in a positive

learning community. It was rewarding to be a part of one myself and receive input on my

portfolio. The most beneficial part about this course, is that now that it is completed, I have this

portofolio that showcases my teaching ability that I can update and share with anyone anytime I

want.