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Assessing students' personal and professional development using portfolios and interviews.
1Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney NSW, Australia. jillg@med.usyd.edu.au
Medical Education
|March 26, 2003
Summary
Medical schools use portfolios and interviews to assess personal and professional development (PPD). This method encourages student reflection and self-improvement, proving valuable for both students and faculty.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Professionalism in Medicine
- Student Assessment
Background:
- Medical schools increasingly focus on students' personal and professional development (PPD).
- There is a growing need for effective methods to assess student progress in professionalism.
- The University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine sought a novel assessment approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the value of reflection in achieving PPD outcomes.
- To provide feedback and encourage self-directed learning in students.
- To foster student responsibility for setting and meeting high performance standards.
Main Methods:
- Year 1 students were assessed using a portfolio and a confidential interview.
- The portfolio encouraged exploration of personal values relevant to PPD.
- Interviews were conducted by faculty members who reviewed student portfolios.
Main Results:
- 96% of students found reflection on their approach to be useful.
- 91% of students agreed the PPD assessment experience was worthwhile.
- 76% of students identified opportunities to modify their approach based on the assessment.
Conclusions:
- Personal and professional development (PPD) is crucial for medical careers.
- The portfolio and interview assessment was valued by students and faculty.
- This assessment highlights trust in student motivation for becoming competent practitioners.