Higher education has become increasingly exposed to the portfolio as a tool of assessment for professional and vocational courses as well as for AP(E)L. In 2001 it has come to the fore in the context of personal profiling, the Institute for Learning and Teaching and higher level key skills. However, little thought seems to have been given to a consideration of its value as a means of promoting learning, or as a means of assessment in the above contexts, or within the wider range of HE level work. This workshop is designed as a timely forum for the discussion of the pros and cons of the portfolio and also provides an opportunity for sharing developments and best practice

The Workshop

The workshop is for both experienced practitioners and newcomers to the topic who wish to consider the most effective and efficient ways of using portfolios within the full spectrum of HE work. It begins with a critique of the uses of portfolios as a method of promoting learning and facilitating assessment, and moves on to workshops in which practitioners are encouraged to share their experiences of such current matters as AP(E)L, the Paperless Portfolio and undergraduate assessment. It is hoped that participants will leave the workshop with new ideas for improving their own use of portfolios within the context of teaching, learning and assessment in HE.

The Presenters

Gwen Chaney is the NVQ Centre Manager at Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education. Gwen has conducted preliminary research into the use of portfolios and the underlying pedagogy across academic disciplines and vocational areas.

Tony Wailey is the AP(E)L Advisor at the University of East London. Tony has worked previously in guidance centres, adult, further and higher education. He has published in many fields particularly in relation to mature students and their learning needs.

Stephanie Wilson was a key member of the Profiling Development Team and led the work experience initiative at Anglia Polytechnic University. Stephanie has valuable experience of using portfolios for assessment and in profiling, work experience and work-based learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Len Evans is from the Harrow Business School, University of Westminster. Len works mainly in the area of Public Services Management programmes. He has experience of using portfolios in order to satisfy entry requirements at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The Programme

10.00 Registration

10.25 Welcome: Mike Downes

10.30 Why use a portfolio for promoting student learning and assessing work in HE? Gwen Chaney, Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education.

11.10 Refreshments

11. 25 Case study 1: Over assessment and its enemies: the case for the portfolio. Tony Wailey, University of East London

12.45 Lunch

13.30 Case study 3: The Paperless Portfolio: Pitfalls and Pleasures. Len Evans, University of Westminster.

14.10 Working groups sharing models with participants bringing examples and sharing perspectives (Each group chaired by one of the presenters)

3.15 Refreshments

3.30 Panel of presenters responding to issues raised during the day.

4.00 Close

SEEC Members £40.00

Non SEEC Members £90.00

For further information and a booking form contact:

Jervine Young - Administrator

The SEEC Office

c/o The University of East London

Romford Road

London E15 4LZ

Tel: 0208 223 4978 Fax: 0208 223 4952

E-mail: [log in to unmask]