More than 65,000 FE teachers and trainers use IfL's REfLECT to record CPD

Wednesday 26 August 2009

As the 31 August 2009 deadline approaches for teachers and trainers in further education and skills to declare their continuing professional development (CPD) for the first time, the Institute for Learning (IfL) has announced that more than 65,000 of its members are using REfLECT to plan, review and record their CPD. REfLECT is the online, personal learning space provided by IfL as a benefit for all its members.

Dr Jean Kelly, who is head of professional development at IfL, said, "The window for 2008-09 self-declarations of CPD opened on 1 June 2009, and we invited the early birds who declared during June to share their evidence of CPD as part of a first-phase random sample.

"A review of this pilot sample indicates the range we can expect from across the sector in a variety of formats – from brief lists of attendance at events to detailed accounts, including reflection of impact on practice. What we found striking was the quality of the reflections on practice and the impact that CPD had made on learners, as evidenced from IfL members using the REfLECT tool – more than a third of the sample.

"The REfLECT users found the format and structure embedded in the process to be invaluable when recording and evaluating their CPD activities. Early evidence indicates a more detailed interrogation of CPD when REfLECT is used, and feedback from evaluations suggests that it is helping providers adopt a whole-organisation approach to CPD."

Benson Ferrari, who works for the Herefordshire Literacy Project (HELP) and was one of the first teachers to achieve Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, said, "Compiling your portfolio for Professional Formation on REfLECT is straightforward and secure, and can support your work tremendously. IfL is to be commended for providing this powerful e-tool for members."

Katie McCombe, staff development manager at Walford and North Shropshire College, said, "Staff who use REfLECT have been surprised at how user-friendly it is. They value having a tool that makes it easy to keep their CPD records in line with IfL recommendations, and the fact that it belongs to them and cannot be accessed directly by college management or IfL, but can be made available to IfL and their employer when required."

According to Sarah Pigott, learning and development coordinator for Beneast Training, REfLECT has an important part to play in supporting the organisation's teaching and learning strategy. "Thank you to IfL for supplying this tool for recording CPD. It's easy to use and is a fantastic vehicle for sharing continuous improvement across our organisation."

Lee Davies, deputy chief executive at IfL, said, "We look forward to undertaking a more detailed analysis when all the declarations have been made, and will produce a report on the CPD returns and members' commitment to their professionalism in December, when the full review is complete."