Portfolio as a Tool for Learning and Clinical Evaluation: Perceptions of Dentistry Students at a University in Chile

Abstract

This research study explores the perception of Dentistry students at the San Sebastián University, Valdivia campus, regarding the use of the portfolio as a learning and assessment strategy for their clinical practices. A qualitative, descriptive, and interpretative research was conducted based on the experience of students in the sixth-course, Clinical Internship period 2022 (n=17). To understand the students’ perception, an online questionnaire with open-ended questions was used. The study was approved by the Scientific Ethnics Committee of San Sebastián University. The findings revealed that the students considered the portfolio a tool that contributes to learning during clinical practice and is a good evaluative complement to traditional assessment. Additionally, it allowed students to reflect and develop autonomous learning. The main advantage of using the portfolio is to evidence the clinical progress of the students, while the long time required for its preparation was noted as the main disadvantage. In conclusion, the portfolio is a practical pedagogical learning and assessment tool to be used during the clinical internship of the Dentistry program.