A blended approach to evidence learning in professional practice Margaret Fisher (Senior Lecturer Midwifery) Alison Thoburn (Lecturer Midwifery) University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Background: Triggers for change Re-validation of Midwifery curriculum Professional body requirements Anecdotal feedback Ceppl research: “Assessment of Practice” Literature evidence

Some key issues on portfolios from Ceppl research becoming a professional ‘doing the job’ Purpose people placements paperwork Process timing clarity consistency Preparation

Portfolios Positive aspects evidence of capability/ achievement provided encouragement to student as they could see their progress. self-directed fairly reliable and an effective record of discussions provided focus and made them think generally useful and effective tool Negative aspects Number-crunching/ ticking boxes Potential to “blur the edges” Bulk Heavy workload Lack of clarity Poor level of guidance Inconsistency in explanations Mentor unfamiliarity with documentation

Blended Portfolio Professional body proficiencies Summative assessment Paper Personal & lifelong learning development Evidence for summative assessment Flexible to individual style Electronic

Pilot Study  Six week pilot study  Volunteer students from existing programme  13 initially, 1 withdrew  Self rating of IT skills and learning style  Little guidance given  Mentor and Lecturer involvement

Pilot Study – Findings 1 Students –Range of ages –self assessed IT skills from satisfactory to very good –Range of learning styles Positive views for –Reduction in paper portfolio size –New way of assessing proficiencies Some concern over repetition between paper and electronic

Pilot Study – Findings 2 Guidelines positive evaluation – but would have liked face to face Initial access and navigation awkward, minimal extra help needed Accessed from all sites Comments on general appearance, editing, etc Hyperlinks Personal tutor formative feedback

Going live…. The results

PAPER Clear and easy to follow Evidence from others useful MAP (graded practice): a) less ambiguity b) grading – perceptions of reliability c) evidence takes long time to complete d) repetition of statements between criteria

E Portfolio Pros Guides helpful Very good for evidencing achievement/learning Flexibility and individuality Learning, reflection and skills development all evident Cons A lot to understand at the beginning Takes time to complete Technological issues – access, pop-ups, linking and IT skills

Where next?? Adjustments to MAPEnhance aestheticsEarly introduction to studentsShare student experiencesBite-size tutorials

And finally.... Motivation Evidence of achievement Lifelong learning Balance between development and assessment Purpose Modification Reinforcement Placements Contribution from others very important Process timing clarity consistency Preparation