Empowering Students Through Portfolio-Based Learning

Transitioning into STEM higher education presents challenges for many students, particularly in developing essential academic writing, research, and critical thinking skills. To address this, a structured Academic Skills Portfolio has been implemented to provide students with a scaffolded approach to skill development, allowing them to actively engage in their learning journey.

The portfolio consists of key milestones, including:

-Self-evaluation and SWOT analysis to identify personal strengths and areas for development.
-Academic writing tasks emphasizing structured argumentation, referencing, and formal writing conventions.
-Critical thinking exercises, including evaluating arguments, analyzing data, and developing logical reasoning skills.
-Reflective practice and personal development planning, enabling students to set SMART goals for ongoing academic improvement.

Through formative and summative assessment, structured feedback, and self-reflection, students track their progress in information literacy, time management, and resilience – skills essential for academic success and employability. Preliminary findings indicate that portfolio­based learning fosters self-regulation, enhances engagement, and improves student confidence in academic tasks.