Learning portfolios--evidence of learning: an examination of students' perspectives

There is a lack of evaluative literature on the use of learning portfolios in nursing. Many students are still unclear on the benefit of using a learning portfolio, and fulfilling the criteria for the portfolios remains low priority. Over a 5-year period, tutors on the Specialist Practitioner Qualification in Critical Care found that there was a wide variety of practice in portfolio use. There is comparatively little known about how the students perceive the use of portfolios. Therefore, a small descriptive survey took place in 2001/2002 involving 22 previous students, to identify the value of portfolios from the student perspective. Recommendations from this study are given on how to improve portfolio use.