Providing Evidence of Achievement

This chapter discusses many types of evidence that may be used within a portfolio. However, this is not an exhaustive list, and it is hoped that students will be creative and innovative in devising ways of producing the required evidence necessary in order to complete their portfolios.
Good preparation is the key to a successful portfolio. Portfolios are a personal account of learning, and therefore it is important that students feel comfortable with the chosen methods. However they can be seen as a tool to provide critical reflection of a learning journey, and therefore exploring the many varieties of development. Examples of the types of evidence that may be utilised are included, as is a discussion on reflective writing and presentation skills.
There are numerous forms of evidence that may be submitted within a portfolio, however there will differ greatly depending on their required function.
The evidence within a portfolio will enable an assessor to measure student learning, and enable a student to show progression throughout a period of time/ study, provide critical reflection of situations and incidents that are pertinent to the student's learning, demonstrate self-directed learning, provide details of competence within required learning outcomes, and capture the student's learning journey of personal and professional development.
As already discussed, portfolios in the nursing profession have many uses, and therefore it is imperative that you take time to ascertain all relevant information and necessary requirements prior to commencement.
A portfolio to be completed as an assessment for postgraduate 30 credit in nursing leadership will have a different format and content to a portfolio required as a pre-registration nursing diploma programme.
When compiling a portfolio, it is important to ask the questions why, what and who to ensure that the content and format meet the necessary requirements.