The portfolio as a summative assessment for the nursing student

This article looks at the effectiveness of the educational portfolio in the summative assessment of the nursing student. Findings of high inter-rater reliability point to the usefulness of the portfolio in summative assessment of competency, if accompanied by the appropriate supportive mechanisms. Shortcomings in the validity and reliability of the portfolio as an assessment tool are apparent and need to be addressed before this tool can be used in high-stake final decisions.