Assessment of Students' Personal Development as Part of Preparation for Professional Work--is it desirable and is it feasible?

Abstract

Personal attributes such as self-appraisal, willingness to take responsibility for continued learning, self-management and ability to work with others are significant factors in effective professional practice. This article explores the issues that arise when development of such personal attributes is identified as one of the goals of a new undergraduate medical programme. The issue of whether such personal learning should be assessed is examined, as well as the question of what assessment methods might be appropriate for evaluating this form of learning. The conclusion reached by this medical faculty is that such personal learning should be assessed, but that the purpose of such assessment should not be to certify competence but rather to harness and direct the powerful effects of assessment onto an important aspect of practice and to provide opportunities for students to reflect, self-evaluate and receive feedback.