Self-development:

professional development:
the Balancing Act!

M.L.PANDIA
 Current major initiatives
 The Higher Education Academy is
concerned with the development of all
who support the student experience;
 Accreditation of teaching and learning
support staff is moving up the national
agenda;
 Consultation on standards is under way.
The value of professional
development
 Recognition of achievement;
 Broadening of horizons;
 Peer learning and support;
 Promotion opportunities;
 Enhancement of the student
experience.
 The value of personal
development
 Maximisation of opportunities;
 Personal growth;
 Role enlargement;
 Lifelong learning;
 Greater job satisfaction.
 Some major English
initiatives (also in NI (ish))
 The establishment from 2005 of 70+
Centres for Excellence in Teaching and
Learning (CETLs);
 The expansion of the National Teaching
Fellowship Scheme to include learning
support staff in 2004;
 Fund for the Development of Teaching
and Learning (FDTL) 5 funding available
shortly.
 What about Scotland and
Wales?
 Scotland uses a Quality
Enhancement approach;
 Wales focuses more widely on
education at all levels and is
considering some more substantial
HE enhancement initiatives;
 All have indicated their support
for the HE Academy.
 Potential impact on the
learning and teaching
environment
 Mobility of staff (?Transfer
market?);
 Opportunities to make a huge
difference to student learning;
 Rebalancing teaching and research
imperatives in HEIs (to some
extent).
 Key future trends
 Move towards evidence-based
practice as a basis for pedagogic
change;
 More ‘joined-up thinking’ on
teaching and learning initiatives;
 Better learning from international
experiences.
 How do I know what
development opportunities
to take up?
 Keep your eye on the HE press;
 Watch out for Funding Council
consultation papers;
 Obtain your own HEIs key strategic
plans;
 Scrutinise departmental objectives;
 Use your own performance reviews
constructively.
 Where can I find useful
learning resources?
 Start with your Subject Centre and
other areas of the HE Academy;
 Explore the other organisations working
in the teaching and learning field
(SEDA, ALT, AUA, SRHE etc);
 Check out your Professional and Subject
Bodies.
 What can I get from
conferences and events ?
 Networking opportunities;
 New ideas on how to conduct your
own professional practice;
 Different perspectives and
alternative approaches;
 Inspiration, energisation;
 Fun!
 How can I get the most
out of development
chances?
 Take up training opportunities on
offer;
 Keep good records of what you do
and what you get out of it;
 Consider using a reflective journal;
 Keep (and file systematically)
evidence of your achievements;
 How can I start
contributing myself?
 Offer posters at conferences;
 Look or co-publishing and co-
presenting experiences with ’old
hands’;
 Take up opportunities to induct,
mentor and co-mentor new
colleagues.
 Setting personal goals
which are SMART
(adapted)
 Specific;
 Measurable;
 Achievable;
 Recognisable;
 Time constrained.
 Five key principles
 Grow your own job on;
 Proactively seek out occasions for
development;
 Balance systematic planning with
creative opportunism;
 Find and use role models;
 Make sure you continue to enjoy
what you do.