Portfolio - CSI
Portfolios are collections of student work designed to showcase the student’s performance, and accomplishments. Portfolios are valued as an assessment tool because, as representations of classroom-based performance, they are easily integrated into the curriculum. Unlike separate tests, portfolios reinforce and supplement instruction, rather than take time away from it. Many educators and employers believe that portfolio assessments are more effective than "old-style" tests for measuring academic skills and informing instructional decisions.
The National Consortium for Health Science Education has developed several resources to assist in the development and evaluation of portfolios. Portfolio Content and Criteria describes the types of documents that should be included in the portfolio. The Portfolio Rubric provides a rubric for scoring student portfolios. Both documents are aligned with the National Healthcare Foundation Skills Standards.
The activities and achievements documented in portfolios represent an important part of the educational experience for students in health science education. Although students are strongly encouraged to develop a portfolio in preparation for the National Health Science Assessment, the portfolio component is not required in order to take the test.