Competence Assessment Integrating Reflective Practice in a Professional Psychology Program

The Midwestern University Clinical Psychology Program--Glendale Campus (MWU) created a Comprehensive Assessment Method in Psychology (CAMP) comprised of 35 different "tasks" of authentic work products representing a variety of assessment techniques based on pedagogical theory. Each task assesses one or more components of one of the program's five identified competence areas. Tasks are submitted at multiple points, increasing in complexity, during the student's tenure in graduate school. CAMP includes an innovative qualifying exam (QE) which formally evaluates a student's ability to self-reflect and to accurately self-assess. In the QE, students engage in a process of reflection and substantive dialogue with a panel of two faculty members about their CAMP work products and describe their development, understanding of the context, and purpose of their education. The goal of the CAMP was not only to achieve and measure student competence, but to create an environment where students and faculty participate in ongoing reflection and even, aspire to artistry. MWU sought expert feedback to establish construct validity of the CAMP and QE processes in the form of a survey. The authors believe the method has relevance for graduate training in many disciplines, particularly those leading to professional practice degrees. (Contains 1 table.)