The Portfolio as an Evaluation Tool: an Analysis of its Use in an Undergraduate Nursing Program

Abstract

This qualitative study was carried out between April and August 2007. It analyzed the use of portfolios in the academic community. A total of nine full-time professors and 119 students enrolled in their third semester were interviewed through a semi-structured interview. Content analysis was used to analyze data. Learning evaluations are seen as a verification of knowledge and efficacy of pedagogical method, and also as an incentive to study. Evaluations are procedural, that is, evaluation is continuous, or one-time, e.g. semester end tests. The portfolio is defined as a gradual and continuous evaluation tool. The faculty members and students need to accept the use of portfolios and evaluate the possibilities of this resource. This study is a first attempt to appraise the evaluation process of an undergraduate program, and the use of portfolios and other strategies needs to be consolidated in order to improve the educational process in undergraduate nursing programs.

Significados do laborat�rio de enfermagem para estudantes de gradua��o: repensando a utiliza��o deste cen�rio

“…Avaliar é muito mais do que aplicar uma prova ou fazer uma observação. Entende-se que a avaliação no processo ensino e aprendizagem constituem recurso pedagógico útil e necessário para nortear cada educador e cada educando na busca e na construção de si mesmo e do seu melhor modo de ser na vida (12).…”

Evaluation of the quality of the teaching-learning process in undergraduate courses in Nursing

“…essential to involve all stakeholders (1,8,15) . The analysis of the reflective journals included in the portfolio made by the students could help us identify other possible areas for improvement in the teaching-learning process 25 . Despite these limitations, the results obtained are useful because they allow start developing strategies to improve the teaching-learning process.…”

El portafolio como metodología de enseñanza-aprendizaje y evaluación en el practicum: percepciones de los estudiantes

“…Aunque en la mayoría de los casos se están realizando experiencias aisladas en algunas materias, cabe destacar que ha habido un incremento progresivo en su utilización en los últimos años (Friedrich et al, 2010;McMullan, 2006;Taylor et al, 2009;Timmins y Dunne, 2009, Webb et al, 2003. Sin embargo, en el ámbito del practicum la producción científica es más escasa, especialmente en España.…”