Professional Competency Portfolio

ENE graduate students must demonstrate ten (10) competencies through the development of a Professional Competency Portfolio. The aim is to help you develop the ability to create and synthesize knowledge; think critically and reflectively; master written and oral communication skills; demonstrate engineering skills; engage in professional development; participate actively in a professional field or engineering education; teach engineering; and apply your knowledge of instruction, curriculum design, and assessment of engineering science, problem-solving, and design appropriately. The portfolio also supports formative assessment and self-reflection for improvement by providing opportunities to self-reflect (i.e. that you can articulate coverage of the competencies and provide evidence); facilitates advice on how to improve and progress; and provides information on your capacity to undertake program requirements.  

Competencies

The competencies should be considered not a static list, but something to tailor to your personal strengths and professional goals. Opportunities for developing materials to demonstrate competencies will occur in coursework and other settings. Competencies gained through prior education and/or experience also can be applied to the requirements with appropriate documentation in the portfolio.

Mentored Teaching Practicum

As part of fulfilling the portfolio requirement, students are encouraged to consider a mentored teaching practicum to promote professional development and reflective practice. Teaching not only is an important part of obtaining the Ph.D., it's an important part of an integrated cycle connecting research and practice in which educational practice identifies and motivates questions that lead to educational research—research that results in answers or insights that help improve educational practice. As such, an important philosophy of our Ph.D. program is “living the virtuous cycle of research and practice."

Milestones and Reflection Points

Your advisory committee, with approval of the ENE Graduate Committee, will determine the appropriate level of achievement of the competencies. Your advisor and advisory committee will review the portfolio every semester to check progress towards completion. Students must complete the process of satisfying the graduate competencies one month prior to scheduling a dissertation defense.

  • During the first semester: Initiate your portfolio (as part of an assignment for ENE 501). How might you demonstrate the ENE competencies (i.e. what do they mean to you and what does it mean to be able to “do” them)?
  • During the second semester: Discuss your progress and expectations with your advisor and other mentors (faculty, staff, peers). Seek formative and constructive feedback, and clarify your summer goals and plans before the term ends. What courses should you take? What experiences can help you develop your ENE competencies?
  • During the third semester: Review your portfolio to help you discuss your preparedness for taking the Readiness Assessment exam. Will your plan of study provide solid grounding in the field or prepare you for planning and completing your thesis, can you articulate your abilities (competencies) based on evidence, are you developing appropriate breadth and depth?
  • Before fifth semester or seventh semester (if a direct Ph.D.): Discuss your progress towards taking the Preliminary Exam with your major professor and advisory committee. Can you articulate your abilities based on evidence? Establish coverage as well as depth of understanding?
  • Before sixth semester or eighth semester (if a direct Ph.D.): Review your portfolio, in particular the teaching competency aspect. Can you plan and teach in an informed way and reflect critically upon your teaching? Can you articulate your abilities based on evidence? Establish coverage as well as depth of understanding?
  • During the final semester: Complete your portfolio and discuss with your major professor and advisory committee. Submit a copy of your portfolio to the Graduate Chair. Use the oral part of the Final Exam to summarize your preparedness for being an engineering education research professional (e.g., your portfolio competencies). Can you demonstrate that you have developed all ten competencies?
  • Post Ph.D.: Use elements of your portfolio in your job searches and interviews. Where can you contribute to society building on what you have learned here?

Updated November 20, 2024.