The effect of Portfolio's evaluation on learning and satisfaction of midwifery students

Tendency to use of portfolio for evaluating has been developed with the aim of optimum use of assessment culture. Present study was done to determine the effect of portfolio’s evaluation method on midwifery students’ learning and satisfaction in gynecology practical training. In this qusi-experimental study, all midwifery students in sixth semester (n=42), were randomly allocated to portfolio and routine evaluation group. Based on educational goals, portfolio groups prepared package which consists of a complete report of history, physical exam and method of patient management for women whom visited gynecology clinic and were evaluated by a portfolio’s evaluation checklist. During the last day of their course, post test, clinical exam and opinion form were taken. The mean of age, score of pretest and gynecology theory were similar in both groups. The mean of pre and post test scores for students of both groups didn’t have significant difference for knowledge and comprehension levels. The mean score of application, analysis and cognitive higher levels questions in portfolio group were significantly greater than routine evaluation group (p=0.001, p=0.02, respectively). The mean of clinical exam score in both groups had a significant difference. In portfolio group, mean of diagnostic and therapeutic solution and Communication between theoretical and clinical leanings scores were more. Students’ overall satisfaction scores in two evaluation methods were similar. Portfolio evaluation provides the opportunity for more learning by increasing the student’s participation in learning process and helping them to apply theory in practice.