Introduction

PROGRESS: the quest for simplicity. Designing an electronic Personal Planning Development tool.

Phil Poole Director of Learning and TeachingCanterbury Christ Church University

Definition of PDP

Personal Development Planning (PDP) is ..

‘...a structured and supported process undertaken by an individual to reflect upon their own learning, performance and / or achievement and to plan for their personal, educational and career development.’

LTSN Circular 06/02

QAA Guideline on Progress Files

The Two Main Elements of PDP

• A process that enables students to effectively reflect on their learning, set goals for academic development and evaluate their progress;

• A mechanism to record the above activities

Does PDP improve students’ learning?

• EPPI Centre (Institute of Education)• Systematic review methodology

– What research has been done?– What evidence is there for improvement

1. positive effect on student learning

2. positive effect on student attainment

3. positive effect on student’s approaches to learning

Developing a Recording System

•Simplicity•Conceptual clarity•Manageable scope and scale•Channel for monitoring student progress•Channel for dialogue between tutor and students•Transferable, centrally managed, core system with add-ons to meet different needs of user groups

PROGRESS –Logbook 1

PROGRESS –Logbook 2

PROGRESS –Statements 1

PROGRESS –Statements 2

PROGRESS –Skills

PROGRESS –Staff

What is Personal Development Planning?

The Student View:

It involves…... You thinking about your objectives and your skills,

qualities, attitudes, experiences and progress.

You recording and discussing your thinking with a tutor

• Students like conceptual simplicity• Weblogs are more motivating than box filling• Feedback from tutors is essential• Reflection is a skill that has to be learnt• How can we add the evidence?• E-portfolios are not PDP

Conclusions