Title
A Case Study of Fine Arts Teachers’ Perceptions of ePortfolio Evaluation as Professional Development
Date of Award
Fall 12-15-2018
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education, Ed.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Christopher Jenkins, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Deborah Jones, Ed.D.
Third Advisor
Joanna Gilmore, Ph.D.
Abstract
This qualitative case study illustrated perceptions of seven fine arts teachers who were veteran participants in an ePortfolio evaluation method (with three or more years participation). The research questions centered on professional growth, reflection, and the impact ePortfolio had on the craft of teaching. A blended conceptual framework of Schön’s (1983, 1987) theory of reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action, and Mezirow’s (1991) transformative learning theory was applied to analyze the data. The researcher explored types of reflection fine arts teachers perceive through ePortfolio evaluation, and how the process of ePortfolio evaluation doubled as a professional development for some teachers. Through three phases of the study which included a written eInterview, a video interview, and a face-to-face portfolio review, teacher perceptions of benefits and challenges emerged. Benefits included evidence of reflective practice, retention of highly effective teachers, a focus on student growth and state standards, and among five participants, a reported shift in practice from product-focused to process-focused teaching in their fine arts’ classrooms. Emerging as challenges in ePortfolio practice included time, training, technology, and lack of adequate feedback in the perceptions of the seven participants in this study.