Connecting the dots: the role and potential of portfolios in lifelong teacher development in Italy

Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of teacher professionalism, enabling educators to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving educational landscape. This article explores how research and literature address the potential of portfolios, particularly e-portfolios, as dynamic tools to promote r...

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Main Author: Maria Chiara Pettenati
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Italian e-Learning Association 2025-05-01
Series:Je-LKS: Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society
Subjects:
Online Access:http://je-lks.org/ojs/index.php/Je-LKS_EN/article/view/1136184
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author Maria Chiara Pettenati
author_facet Maria Chiara Pettenati
author_sort Maria Chiara Pettenati
collection DOAJ
description Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of teacher professionalism, enabling educators to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving educational landscape. This article explores how research and literature address the potential of portfolios, particularly e-portfolios, as dynamic tools to promote reflective practice, professional growth, and skill development along the continuum of teacher education: initial teacher training (ITE), induction, and continuing professional development (CPD). This paper examines the roles of portfolios, particularly e-portfolios, as tools for fostering reflective practice, professional growth, and the development of competencies across the continuum of teacher education: initial teacher education (ITE), induction, and continuous professional development (CPD). Drawing on established models and recent educational reforms, this position paper examines several critical dimensions that shape the effective implementation of portfolios. Using the Italian education system as a case study, the paper explores how recent reforms and prior experiences can be leveraged to enhance the integration of lifelong portfolios, ensuring continuity and coherence throughout teachers' professional trajectories. Emphasis is placed on the importance of aligning portfolio practices with professional standards, establishing robust training programs, and developing supportive cultural and technological infrastructures. By addressing the opportunities and challenges of embedding portfolios in teacher education, this research contributes to the broader discourse on fostering systemic approaches to professional development and improving the quality of education.
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spelling doaj-art-528d651f7e8a46098f9d82aeacf728282025-08-20T03:22:19ZengItalian e-Learning AssociationJe-LKS: Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society1826-62231971-88292025-05-0121110.20368/1971-8829/1136184Connecting the dots: the role and potential of portfolios in lifelong teacher development in ItalyMaria Chiara Pettenati0INDIRE Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of teacher professionalism, enabling educators to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving educational landscape. This article explores how research and literature address the potential of portfolios, particularly e-portfolios, as dynamic tools to promote reflective practice, professional growth, and skill development along the continuum of teacher education: initial teacher training (ITE), induction, and continuing professional development (CPD). This paper examines the roles of portfolios, particularly e-portfolios, as tools for fostering reflective practice, professional growth, and the development of competencies across the continuum of teacher education: initial teacher education (ITE), induction, and continuous professional development (CPD). Drawing on established models and recent educational reforms, this position paper examines several critical dimensions that shape the effective implementation of portfolios. Using the Italian education system as a case study, the paper explores how recent reforms and prior experiences can be leveraged to enhance the integration of lifelong portfolios, ensuring continuity and coherence throughout teachers' professional trajectories. Emphasis is placed on the importance of aligning portfolio practices with professional standards, establishing robust training programs, and developing supportive cultural and technological infrastructures. By addressing the opportunities and challenges of embedding portfolios in teacher education, this research contributes to the broader discourse on fostering systemic approaches to professional development and improving the quality of education. http://je-lks.org/ojs/index.php/Je-LKS_EN/article/view/1136184PortfoliosLifelong LearningTeacher Developmente-PortfoliosReflective Practice
spellingShingle Maria Chiara Pettenati
Connecting the dots: the role and potential of portfolios in lifelong teacher development in Italy
Je-LKS: Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society
Portfolios
Lifelong Learning
Teacher Development
e-Portfolios
Reflective Practice
title Connecting the dots: the role and potential of portfolios in lifelong teacher development in Italy
title_full Connecting the dots: the role and potential of portfolios in lifelong teacher development in Italy
title_fullStr Connecting the dots: the role and potential of portfolios in lifelong teacher development in Italy
title_full_unstemmed Connecting the dots: the role and potential of portfolios in lifelong teacher development in Italy
title_short Connecting the dots: the role and potential of portfolios in lifelong teacher development in Italy
title_sort connecting the dots the role and potential of portfolios in lifelong teacher development in italy
topic Portfolios
Lifelong Learning
Teacher Development
e-Portfolios
Reflective Practice
url http://je-lks.org/ojs/index.php/Je-LKS_EN/article/view/1136184
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