This book provides an essential guide and reference text for those who write vocational and professional courses, and those who manage or make policy related to the assessment of vocational and professional skills. It is also suitable for students of Education in these areas.

The book explains how various forms of portfolio assessment can be beneficially used in course design, especially in resolving many of the difficulties intrinsic to practicum assessment. The author relates theoretical issues directly to the practical details of student assessment in different educational contexts through case studies and examples.

The first part of the book focuses on educational issues relating to practical methods of direct and indirect assessment especially with respect to moderation, equity and course evaluation.

The second part of the book describes the use of portfolio assessment in:
• Competency-based learning
• Recognition of prior learning
• The assessment of negotiated learning
• Pre-entry qualification & assessment

The final section includes practical guidance on course design using portfolio-based assessment that takes into account the specifics of individual course contexts, especially:
course length and level; institutional environment; pedagogical considerations; and the expectations, motivation and maturity of the students