Collaborative learning and developing the capacity as a reflective practitioner

The BA in Community Development has no final written exams and instead depends on a number of other approaches to assess the students learning. In year 1, semester 1 students take a module called 'Portfolio Methods for RPL' which explores the process of RPL, and what a learning portfolio is. More importantly, it requires the students to focus on their prior learning and not experience per se. In the following semester the method is used to report on work placement and to capture the authentic and individual learning of each student. This paper explores the collective approach to documenting work based learning through the use of learning portfolios and the process of reflection to enhance and enrich the learning experience. The emphasis is on the student taking ownership for their own learning, away from the input approach and towards individual ownership. It also looks at students as co-creators of knowledge in the community sector which strengthens the engagement with higher education and the community at large. A key aspect is for the student to identify their learning and develop the capacity to enhance this learning through reflective practice. Beyond this engagement it is transferable means of incorporating the prior learning of adults in meeting the standards of higher education institutions.