Method and web-based portfolio for evaluating competence objectively, cumulatively, and providing feedback for directed improvement

摘要

Evaluation of competence in broad domains presents a major challenge to educators. Review of the literature on portfolio assessment suggests that it may be the ideal venue for assessing competence. The portfolio allows the learner to be creative and in the process facilitates reflective learning that is a key component in professional development. The portfolio also has the capacity to provide an infrastructure for the variety of assessment tools that are needed to evaluate the diverse domains of competence. In addition, the web-based infrastructure provides a platform for national study of the assessment tools that have been developed in the step towards evidence-based education. Thus the portfolio serves as an evaluation tool on three levels: 1) individual resident assessment, 2) program assessment based on aggregate data of resident performance and 3) provision of a national data base that facilitates the study of the educational process by studying assessment tools and impact of educational interventions. Discussed is the implementation of a web-based evaluation portfolio for residency training in a medical education program.