Developing Virtual Total Talent Portfolios

I finally found the tool I have been looking for when it comes to having students create Total Talent Portfolios. 

Total Talent Portfolios, or TTPs, are based on the work of Dr. Joseph Renzulli at the University of Connecticut and involve students creating a place where they can collect information about their learning preferences, strengths, talents, favorite subjects, goals and other important data about themselves.  Groups such as the National Association for Gifted Children encourage gifted education to include methods and opportunities for students to discover and study their gifts and talents and to better understand themselves. For more about the use of TTPs, read this article.

In a previous post, I raved about the use of a free website, Padlet. com., which allows teachers and students to post to a virtual wall. I had my students using the wall to conduct online collaborations regarding their research, but I took it a step further and had them create their own walls, using the pages to create TTPs.  I’ve received positive feedback from parents and students regarding the practice, since the Padlet walls allow students to design their TTPs in their own unique way then continuously update them when information changes or becomes available. Check out this example of a TTP using Padlet.

Let me provide you with the steps to creating TTPs like the example above.

1. Register for a free account on Padlet.com (students don’t need to create their own accounts since they can create a wall using your site).

2. Show students how to create their own Padlet wall and navigate the site. It’s pretty easy.You click the “+” sign on the top right of the page to create a new wall then use the wheel symbol on the bottom right (very last symbol) to modify the page.Using this feature, you can change the wall’s wallpaper, title, private settings, layout, and other details. For more information, the “?” help icon, also located on the right of the page, provides directions on how to build a page. To post, you simply click on an available space on the wall. You can also attach files, links, and photos with your post.

    

   Note: I provide a link to my page then have students create a new wall from my site—this way, they don’t have to create their own accounts and I can keep an eye on their walls.

    

3. Provide students with an example or copy of a TTP. I created my own TTP on Padlet and projected that on an overhead screen as an example. It’s important to speak to your students about the reasoning and purpose behind a TTP. Discuss with them how learning about themselves and collecting information can help their learning, the further development of their gifts and talents, and contribute to greater success. You might also want to explain the difference between terms such as “Strengths” and “Interests,”, for example, since I find that students often struggle with the differences in meaning.

    

4. Provide students time to build their virtual TTPs. You can also a rubric that scores them on organization, required information, use of graphics, etc.

5. Set aside a short time each week (maybe 10 minutes) for students to visit their TTPs and update them.Perhaps a student scored well on a math test and can include that information, or a student joined the soccer team.Also, ask them to analyze and review the information to help them make effective decisions about their learning.

The TTP is also a great data-collection tool for teachers! Often, teachers are formally evaluated on their use of student data and personalized information, including strengths, interests, and learning preferences, to differentiate lessons.  The TTP is a fluid document that you can use to learn more about your students and tailor your instruction. In fact, it might make a great back-to-school project (I’m considering this) since it could serve as an engaging, ice-breaker lesson, which helps you get to know the kids in your classroom better.