ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors discuss how all of these aspects of portfolio orientation-purpose, type, context, structure, and audience-fit together, using purpose as the organizing element. By their very nature, developmental portfolios provide a great deal of flexibility. Audiences commonly associated with developmental portfolios include the self, instructors, mentors, and colleagues-as-mentors. Unlike the builder of the developmental portfolio, the builder of an evaluation portfolio does not influence the makeup of the standards, nor does she necessarily influence the performance criteria. Audiences commonly associated with showcase portfolios include instructors, colleagues in the wider professional community, peers, family members, prospective employers, and others connected in official capacities with the program, such as deans and department heads. Understanding purpose, type, context, structure, and audience and their interaction is an important step in preparing to undertake the development of a portfolio.
