• Examine and analyze the relevant strategies, situational/contextual constraints, and/or needs encountered when designing, developing, implementing and managing, and/or evaluating educational programs.
• Identify factors affecting learning and performance and determine appropriate approaches for intervention.
• Apply relevant theories to address learning or performance objectives.
• Synthesize learning by participating in individual and team-based instructional projects.
Major elements of the Final Capstone Portfolio include a) an introductory essay; b) application of knowledge and skills; c) cumulative learning synthesis; d) updated abbreviated resume; e) updated plan for the future; and f) concluding essay.
When selecting and completing the activities think about your time in your graduate program and consider the following questions:
• What topics and/or subject matters stood out the most to me?
• What piqued my interest?
• What changed my practice?
• How could I contribute to my area of study/practice?
• What could be a beneficial document to share with others that represents my cumulative learning in the program?
A. Introductory Essay (3–5 pages)
Clearly introduces the reader the various sections of the overall portfolio
Introduction answers the following 5 questions:
1. What common topics for your papers/projects were chosen, and do they represent a common area of interest?
2. How has your program helped you acquire the new skills and talents for your professional goals? What new skills and talents did you acquire?
3. Who are the theorists who have studied your common topics area, and what do they have to say, or not say?
4. What do you want the reader to know about your growth as a professional as he or she begins to read your portfolio?
5. What contextual information can you give the reader to guide him/her through the portfolio?
B. Application of Knowledge and Skills
This activity addresses the learning objective of applying relevant theories to address learning or performance objectives. Choose one of the options to complete this activity.
Option #1: Evaluation Paper or Option #2: Research Paper
Option #1: Evaluation Paper
Paper addresses the application of a specific evaluation in a workplace context.
All parts of evaluation appropriately delineated in sufficient depth.
Paper meets the formatting requirements (length, organization of headings in APA 7th edition format).
Project completed as outlined in contract.
Option #2: Research Paper
Paper addresses the specific issue of the application of learning and performance in practice.
Paper contains relevant literature specific to the application of learning and performance in practice.
Paper meets the required length.
C. Cumulative Learning Synthesis
This activity addresses the fourth learning objective of the program: Synthesize learning by participating in individual and team-based instructional projects. The activity requires the collection of selected prior coursework and the presentation of that coursework in a synthesized format. The total page length for this activity will be approximately 7–10 pages:
• 300–400-word narrative description of each item selected (minimum of 3).
• 300–400-word narrative description of each theme.
• 1-page conclusion to the section.
Learning Synthesis Materials
All required sections are completed:
• Narrative statements for 3 courses and how courses contributed to growth as a professional
• Assignment items for each of three courses in appendix formatted correctly
• Narrative statements of the themes and how each contributed to overall learning and professional goals
Sections clearly demonstrate a synthesis of learning across the courses taken.
E. Plan for the Future
The reflection provides a clear description of individual hopes, career and professional planning, and aspirations for the future.
F. Concluding Essay
The conclusion clearly summarizes the portfolio.
The conclusion clearly presents a view of the future.
