A portfolio is a tool to demonstrate prior learning. A portfolio is a binder of information describing an individual’s life experiences. The portfolio provides documentation and verification of prior learning through volunteer work, family, workplace, school, or leisure activities. It recognizes formal learning in an educational institution, non-formal learning or non-credit learning such as a training program and informal learning through everyday life experiences. The portfolio describes the skills and knowledge acquired through these experiences to assist individuals to identify transferable skills. Transferable skills may include technical skills, computer use, reading, writing, numeracy or document use. It also includes communication skills such as problem solving, decision making, critical thinking skills, or skills working with other people.
The portfolio assists learners to identify and market their transferable skills for employment, promotion opportunities, to acquire credit at high school or post secondary institutions, or to meet post secondary entrance or occupational requirements.
Portfolios are of benefit to individuals who want to clearly demonstrate and document their knowledge and skills. Participants build their self esteem as they recognize and are validated for their prior learning. Portfolios are useful for interviews to gain employment or promotion and may eliminate the duplication of learning or reduce costs through prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR). Institutions recognize portfolios as a tool to gain credit for prior learning at a high school or post secondary institution.
The portfolio takes approximately 35 hours in class plus preparation to complete and serves as a project in progress. Individuals continue to add new learning to their portfolio.
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