In a rapidly changing educational landscape, the competency-based approach (CBA) is reinventing teaching practices. At the heart of this transformation, the skills portfolio is emerging as an essential tool. Designed to accompany learners throughout their learning journey, it offers a tangible solution for tracking, valuing and demonstrating their skills. This article explores the benefits of skills portfolios in the context of APC, based on exchanges from a webinar organized by ChallengeMe with Skema, Centrale Supélec and the University of Montpellier.
What is a skills portfolio?
A skills portfolio is a platform or document that enables a learner to keep a tangible record of what he or she has learned along the way. Unlike a simple list of academic achievements, it includes various elements such as :
- Work carried out during courses or internships.
- Evaluation feedback, including peer review feedback.
- Skills developed in complex situations.
This system encourages a reflective approach. As Aurélie, a pedagogical engineer at Centrale Supélec, explains, "The portfolio is not just a tool for keeping records; it's an active method that enables learners to understand their progress and enhance their skills in a professional context".
Key functions of the APC portfolio
1. A support for progressive learning
In APC, skills are developed progressively, through learning and assessment activities. The portfolio makes it possible to follow this evolution, keeping clear, organized records of the stages reached. For example, Dominique, from the University of Montpellier, notes: "In a context where skills are complex and multidimensional, the portfolio is essential for structuring this progressiveness and giving meaning to learning".
2. A tool for formative and summative evaluation
The portfolio provides a solid basis for assessing learners. In formative assessment, it facilitates personalized feedback, notably through tools such as ChallengeMe, which synthesize feedback and align it with precise assessment criteria. In summative assessment, the portfolio becomes a showcase for demonstrating the achievement of targeted skills.
3. A means of empowering learners
The portfolio encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. They learn to self-assess their learning, identify their strengths and work on their weaknesses. According to Éric, director of the France 2030 national program, "The portfolio encourages a reflective posture, which is essential if learners are to prepare for sustainable professional integration".
4. A bridge between education and the professional world
Skills documented in a portfolio can be used directly on the job market. Students can use this tool to illustrate their skills during professional interviews. As Aurélie points out, "Employers aren't just looking for diplomas, but for concrete proof of their skills. The portfolio offers them this transparency.
Feedback: implementing the portfolio at Centrale Supélec
Centrale Supélec has made the integration of skills portfolios a major focus of its pedagogy. The school has designed a progressive support system for its students, to enable them to assess their skills and develop them effectively. Here are some of the best practices identified:
- Aligning the portfolio with the skills repository Each element of the portfolio corresponds to a clearly defined skill expected in the engineering curriculum.
- Include regular, formative assessments Learners are encouraged to enrich their portfolios throughout their training, with ongoing feedback from teachers and peers.
- Supporting students through practical workshops Awareness-raising and training sessions help students understand how to structure and enhance their portfolios.
- Supporting self-assessment ChallengeMe's AI plays a crucial role here, helping students to structure their thoughts and better understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Aurélie points out: "With ChallengeMe, we have been able to automate certain analyses and offer students personalized recommendations for improving their portfolio. This approach helps to reinforce learner engagement and understanding of expected competencies.
Best practices for integrating a portfolio into a curriculum
- Define clear objectives The portfolio must be designed to be consistent with skills repositories and company needs.
- Integrate appropriate digital tools A platform like ChallengeMe simplifies the collection, analysis and presentation of skills. It also makes it intuitive to track learners' progress.
- Encourage peer evaluation This method strengthens collaboration and encourages learners to improve their work through constructive feedback.
- Offer pedagogical support Training teachers and students in the use of the portfolio is essential to ensure its effectiveness.
- Valuing portfolios in a professional context Learners need to understand how to present their portfolios at interviews or when applying for opportunities.
ChallengeMe: going further with AI and business needs
ChallengeMe is not limited to portfolio management. The platform is currently working on an ambitious project to create a skills tracking ecosystem aligned with business needs. Thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence, ChallengeMe offers innovative solutions for :
- Analyze market trends Identify the skills employers are looking for and guide learners accordingly.
- Deliver accurate, automated feedback ChallengeMe's AI helps learners to structure their self-assessments and obtain tailored recommendations.
"This project is a direct response to the expectations of companies, while reinforcing the autonomy and confidence of learners". This vision positions ChallengeMe as a key player in the transformation of education.
Conclusion
The skills portfolio is much more than just a tool for storing information. It is a pivotal element in the competency-based approach, helping to structure learning, empower learners and enhance their skills on the job market.
Despite the challenges, experiments carried out by institutions such as Centrale Supélec show that portfolios, supported by digital tools and artificial intelligence, are opening up new prospects for higher education. With solutions like ChallengeMe, the future of portfolios looks even brighter, in line with the expectations of students and companies alike.
