IfL workshops aim to help FE teachers and trainers manage CPD

Thursday 9 October 2008

Following the success of its June seminars, the Institute for Learning (IfL) is running another series of workshops in support of teachers and trainers throughout the further education and skills sector, who are required to undertake at least 30 hours' continuing professional development (CPD) a year, prorated for part-time staff.

The workshops are designed to give participants a chance to explore and understand how to use REfLECT, IfL's online tool and personal learning space for members to reflect on their professional practice and record the various CPD activities they undertake to enhance their teaching. Each workshop comprises two practical sessions, after which participants should be able to support peers and colleagues in their use of REfLECT.

All the October events are fully booked, and IfL will be organising a further series of workshops for the first quarter of 2009. Full details will be published on IfL's website in the near future.

The current CPD year runs to 31 August 2009, the date by which teachers need to let IfL know that they have completed their CPD for the year.

Dr Jean Kelly, head of professional development at IfL, said, "If you haven't already done so, you need to start thinking about and planning your professional development. The important thing to consider is which kind of learning activities will make a difference to your teaching and to your learners.

"Our advice is to use the CPD guidelines on our website. Using the model of dual professionalism will help you identify key areas in your subject specialism, industrial expertise and teaching and learning approaches that might need updating. You might also find it helpful to plan your CPD with others, if you can – sometimes the most obvious things to focus on are not obvious to you. Remember too that evidence of peer discussion and feedback counts as professional development if it has an impact on your practice."

Notes to Editors

IfL's CPD guidelines are available to download.