Another method to evaluate, improve, and reflect on your teaching that has recently gained attention is the teaching portfolio. Through the portfolio you collect materials documenting your strengths and accomplishments as a teacher. Typically, however, portfolios include a brief table of contents, a personal statement, supporting material from others including peers who have observed you or letters from professors you may have TAed for, and such evidence of teaching effectiveness as student evaluations, student papers, or a videotape of you in action. While most of the documents in a portfolio may sound familiar, the personal statement is probably new to many instructors.
Experience shows that teaching portfolios are best prepared in consultation with others.
One great benefit of assembling a teaching portfolio is that it helps you become more articulate about your teaching strategies as you review your work and clarify your pedagogical aims.