The career portfolio seems to be a common practiced for
high school students. In my own high school as part of our graduation project
we were required to complete a career portfolio. I thought the project was
helpful in researching a career that I was interested. Although I found it to
be a helpful project others did not. I know a lot of my peers just did what was
needed to pass. The article that I read talked about some things that occur
when students (middle -class) are required to complete the portfolio
assignment.
Researchers
had several findings. One finding was that students in this specific study where
able to understand their environments and the ideals that go along with it. This
meant that students were more like to select a career that was expected of them
for their career portfolio. Instead of students using the career portfolio to investigate
the students possible interest they instead chose an “easy” or “expected”
career. This didn’t always align with their interested and instead just fit
into the ideals of their environment.
The portfolio project can
be helpful when it is done “correctly”. It can be an opportunity for students
to explore and learn about what is required to enter a certain profession. I
know personally I was able to find a lot of information about the field of
psychology by completing my own career portfolio. I guess this study brings up
the question, what can be done to get students to take full advantage of the
career portfolio assignment? Also, how can we get students really interested in
the project and for them to research something that they’re interested in versus
what is expected of them by others?
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