Structure has a bad rap. Often we hear the word, “structure” and we think, “boring,” “non-creative,” or “technical.” This is far from the truth…at least the way I see it.
Structure is (according to Wikipedia) “is how the parts of it relate to each other, how ‘it is put together.’” In other words, structure is the frame on which things are placed; it is the pattern that is established in order for us to make sense of something. We can think of a blueprint or ground plan of a house or a building. The blueprint or ground plan visually represents and describes the house’s fundamental structure. If its structure is too familiar to all the other buildings in the vicinity, we might very well degrade the structure by referring to ticky-tacky track housing. If its structure diverges excessively from the other buildings in the vicinity, we might end up confused and displeased. We want some things in certain places; we want familiarity, but we also want surprise and originality. Too much surprise and originality leads to poor structure. It would be like entering a house and finding yourself in the bathroom. While this is a very original idea, it lacks logic. Who will want to live in such a house? Intrinsic to a bathroom’s function is privacy. The choice to structure a house with the bathroom as the entry way undermines the functionality of the bathroom. Not enough originality and too much similarity make for boredom. One might imagine a house which is a long hallway with doors that lead to exactly the same size and shape room all painted white. It might have perfect symmetry and exacting dimensions, but each and every room is exactly the same, even the electrical outlets are placed in the same locales. While we might marvel at the precision of its repeated structure, it would likely be maddening to live in such a home. Also, different rooms function in different ways, kitchens need sinks, living rooms do not. Again, too much of something undermines the functionality.
Thus designing your structure is vital step in any Senior Presentation of Learning or Senior Portfolio. Structuring your portfolio is different from structuring your presentation because their functions are similar but different. Perhaps the greatest distinction is that your portfolio is a tangible product, whereas your presentation is an intangible event to be experienced. These two requirements for graduation necessitate different skill sets. A portfolio, like a book, is experienced by the reader independent of its creator. I do not want the author of a book standing over my shoulder as I read. I want the product to work in such a way that I have my own experience with it. I should be able to understand it without guidance from the author. A presentation is an experience with the creator. It is like a good concert or performance. Ultimately, the performances I most enjoy are the ones that feel tailored to the here and now. If I feel like the performer is going through the motions, I feel cheated out of my money.
Thus in structuring your portfolio and presentation here are things to think about:
- What does my reader/audience expect?
- Am I giving them enough familiarity so they feel comfortable, but not so much that they are bored?
- Am I both logical and predictable without being so logical and predictable that my audience gets ahead of me?
- If I were not in the room, would my portfolio make sense without me explaining it?
- Am I creating an experience I would myself enjoy attending?
- Is my portfolio an appropriate length?
- Have I focused on quality or just quantity?
- Do I buy into the product/experience?
- Am I just going through the motions?
- What other questions should we ask ourselves???
