1. Developing a Work Based Portfolio
Lecture : 1
Developing a Work Based Portfolio

2. Introduction to Work Based Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of work and information that has been compiled by the learner.
The portfolio is not viewed as a stand-alone assessment collection but should be a reflective and reflexive summary by the student on what has been learned and how learning outcomes have been achieved, including references to work within their portfolio of evidence; this allows portfolios to reflect a learner’s development and to effectively demonstrate progression.
It was found that learners using a work-based approach learn from their community of practice in their workplace as well as their work-based learning peers at the university.
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3. Work Based Learning Skills
1. Develop solutions to workplace problems drawing on theory and practice.
2. Exploit the workplace as a learning resource.
3. Manage oneself (and others).
4. Reflect on what has been learnt in and from the workplace.
5. Transfer existing knowledge, capabilities and competences to new or different contexts
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4. Benefits of Work Based Portfolio
Provides an evidence base to your critical reflection and learning
Promotes lifelong learning and personal growth
Contributes to Personal Development Planning (PDP), which focuses on a learner’s employability.
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5. Work Based Portfolio based on Case Studies
Case Study
The case study approach is to view a real life management problem in order to develop work based skills in a classroom environment in order to enhance their learning. The following skills are considered in depth based on the learning objectives of the module :
Business awareness
Communication
Working in groups
Problem solving
Work load management
Students should be able to show a deep understanding of their learning by the use of appropriate academic theory, reflection and supporting evidence that included course materials, assignments and practice based reports.
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6. Reflection in the Work Based Portfolio
The characteristic of your portfolio will be determined by way you present your reflections.
Adapted from Mansvelder-Longayroux et al (2007) there are three reflective approaches that can help characterise your portfolio:
Deliberative approach – reflection is involved in weighing up different perspectives and theories in order to view practice from different angles.
Narrative approach – reflection is focussed on developing personal practice based knowledge and developing. awareness of one’s identity, beliefs and development.
Critical approach – reflection is focussed on critically examining the social, cultural, economic and political implications of the work based learning experience.
Note: Once you have determined the most appropriate reflective approach
it is time to start selecting the relevant evidence.
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7. Resources provided in a Work Based Portfolio
The appendices and evidence/proof provided could vast and needs careful evaluation of its relevancy to your analysis to demonstrate the actual management of an organisation.
The following is an outline of the variety of resources that you could choose to draw upon:
Written – reports (surveys, investigations, etc), letters, journal (entries), assignments
Visual – pictures, posters, presentations, photographs, graphs
Audio – commentaries, discussion, interviews
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8. Contents of Work Based Portfolio
Front cover sheet
Table of Contents
Introduction –
outlining the characteristic of your portfolio
introduce the organisation
Reflective section ie. the analysis of the organisational management based on evidence in practice, related theory and academic references such as journals, textbooks etc.
Concluding section – presenting an overarching summary of the portfolio, linking your portfolio with your personal and professional learning and identifying any developments and new knowledge that has arisen as a result of the reflective portfolio process
References
Appendices and evidence
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9. Building Your Portfolio
Review and describe the activities you have undertaken throughout, what do they tell you about:
Your professional role?
Your organisation?
Your strengths and weaknesses?
Identifying any further development?
Personal aspiration?
How the current political and social context has an impact upon the workplace and your learning.
How does this review inform the overall characteristic of your portfolio (deliberative; narrative; or critical)?
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10. Conclusion
The Work Based Portfolio can contribute to your Personal Development Planning (PDP).
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is defined as 'a structured and supported process undertaken by an individual to reflect upon their own learning, performance and/or achievement and to plan for their personal, educational and career development'. (Higher Education Academy, 2011).
PDP is increasingly used in higher education to support learners with their on-going educational and professional development.
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11. References
Higher Education Academy (2011) Personal Development Planning Available at:
Mansvelder-Longayroux, D.D., Beijaard, D. & Verloop, N. (2007) The Portfolio as a tool for Stimulating reflection by Student Teachers, Teaching and Teacher Education, Vol 23, p.47-62
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