Reimagining Teaching Portfolios Through Personal Knowledge Management with Digital Tools for Thought
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2026-06-25
Author(s)
Abstract
Teaching portfolios are widely used in academic development yet too often become static compilations assembled for evaluation rather than living systems that structure reflection and teaching competence development. This conceptual paper frames academic teaching explicitly as knowledge work and argues that portfolio development should be driven by personal knowledge management (PKM) practices. We examine how digital Tools for Thought (TfTs)—markdown-based, networked note-making environments—support PKM by enabling educators to externalize, interlink, and revisit teaching-related knowledge, feedback, and design decisions. Building on relevant research in educational psychology, knowledge management, and academic development, we outline a conceptual model that integrates PKM and TfTs to transform portfolios from document repositories into dynamic architectures. The paper synthesizes theory and practice, illustrates use cases, and discusses institutional implications, including recognition structures and developer support. The contribution is relevant for academic developers, faculty, and program leaders as agents seeking sustainable, evidence-informed pathways to professionalization and teaching competence development.
Funding(s)
Language
English (United States)
Keywords
Teaching Portfolio
Academic Development
Knowledge Management
Professional Development
Reflection
Tools for Thought
Knowledge Work
Teacher Identity
Faculty
Teaching
Learning
Agency
Teaching Competency
Reflective Writing
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Event Title
International Consortium for Educational Development (ICED) 2026 "Agency and Academic Development"
Event Location
University of Salamanca, Spain
Division(s)
Contact Email Address
stefan.siegel@unisg.ch
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
Siegel et al. 2026 Teaching Portfolios with PKM and TfTs ICED 2026.pdf
Size
2.49 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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