THE PORTFOLIO AS A LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGY (B.PSYCH) STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA

Abstract

This paper examines the utility of the portfolio as a learning and assessment tool in the Bachelor of Psychology (B.Psych) program at the University of Botswana. The B.Psych. Portfolio provides an excellent opportunity for psychological counselors in-training to learn and develop competencies required for their personal and professional growth. It provides for learning for understanding such that a novice is gradually transformed towards expertise. Because the portfolio is made by students as part of course work, that helps to reinforce students’  ‘ownership’ of learning and enhances the skills of analysis and reflection. In the process of reflection and analysis, the student becomes actively engaged as both a learner and a moment-by-moment assessor of her or his own work. The B.Psych. Portfolio has been a worthwhile tool that the Department of Psychology continues to use to enhance its accountability in the training of psychological counselors as it attempts to demonstrate its effectiveness in facilitating student readiness for professional practice in the community.