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Volume 30 (1)

Volume 30, Issue 1, Winter 2010line
J Contin Educ Health Prof 2010; 30(1):57-64
ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Learning portfolio models in health regulatory colleges of Ontario, Canada
Marianne Tompkins, Denise Paquette-Frenette

A b s t r a c t

Introduction: Health regulatory colleges promote continued competence by requiring members to submit yearly portfolios that document learning. Previous studies conclude that portfolios can be valuable tools to promote continuous learning in health college members, but portfolios are time-consuming to complete and difficult to evaluate. This exploratory study compares the features of portfolio models in regulatory colleges, as a basis for future studies.
Methods: Data were collected through a document review of the portfolio models described on the Web sites of 14 Canadian health regulatory colleges.
Results: All models contain 3 common components of self-directed learning: (1) self-diagnosis, (2) learning plan and activities, and (3) self-evaluation. Several include member profiles and peer feedback. A broad range of formal, nonformal, and informal activities are accepted as evidence of learning; a few colleges restrict learners’ freedom in selecting these activities.
Discussion: There is a dual philosophy of learning in portfolio models that includes both humanist and technical paradigms. Low numbers of members are selected for audit of completed portfolios. The possibility of last-minute preparation and the lack of support to members who struggle with self-directed learning methods are issues to be resolved. Although portfolios are designed to enhance learning and reflection, quality cannot be ensured unless compliance is enforced, and learning outcomes are measured. Professionals should be guided regarding how to complete portfolios. More health regulatory colleges should announce the number of portfolios they audit. In general, the number of portfolios audited by each profession may need to be increased.

Lessons for Practice
  • It is essential that health regulatory colleges define quality assurance programs according to the practices, professional culture, and identity of their members.
  • To help members complete the portfolio process, colleges should provide direct support, especially to teach skills in selfdiagnosis of learning needs.
  • Colleges should evaluate a larger proportion of members’ learning portfolios every year or develop ways to ensure more portfolios are being examined.

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