Conclusion
This comprehensive portfolio, as framed in the Joint PhD program handbook, is a demonstration of my scholarly knowledge within the field of Cognition and Learning, as reflected in the course work and scholarly tasks. The focus in this portfolio has been to demonstrate depth of knowledge, methodological understanding and the critique of research literature. Boote & Beile (2006) suggest that the goals of a doctoral program include understanding research in the field, acquiring intellectual independence, and developing scholarship literacies while "systematically and continually reappraise ideas and practices" (p. 32). As exemplified in this comprehensive portfolio, I can claim scholarly ownership and can defend the inclusion of research and choices for this scholarly work. It is by constructing and writing this comprehensive portfolio that I have come to know myself as academic and scholar. I recognize that this text is far from being finished, and that this portfolio is an imperfect and incomplete construction of my experiences, knowledge, competencies, and connections (Richardson, 2001). I await the opportunity to defend this portfolio, as evidence of my readiness to pursue research as a PhD candidate.