Teaching portfolio – translated to english

An interview with the authors Katarina Winka and Åsa Ryegård

Why have you written a book in English about teaching portfolios in Sweden?

The book Teaching Portfolio has been available in Swedish for over ten years, but we’ve noticed a need for an English translation. There are English-speaking teachers who want to enhance their qualifications and need more in-depth knowledge and examples in English. Additionally, higher education pedagogical courses are offered in both Swedish and English. Although the book is based on Swedish conditions, we believe it can be useful beyond Sweden for compiling pedagogical merits and supporting educational development.

What is the idea behind the book’s structure?

The structure of the book is designed to provide a solid foundation for organizing and documenting pedagogical merits. It includes both in-depth theoretical sections and practical examples and exercises. Our goal is to foster an understanding of what pedagogical expertise entails, introduce the concept of teaching portfolios, and explain the assessment process. In this way, we empower readers to develop and document their pedagogical skills.

How do you think the book can be used?

Regarding its potential uses, we envision that the book can serve as course material for higher education pedagogical courses. Teachers who want to compile a teaching portfolio independently can also benefit from the book. A dedicated chapter in the book focuses on assessing teaching expertise, which may be of interest to external experts or recruitment committees. The book can also be used as a reference guide, where readers selectively explore specific sections based on their needs and interests.