Self-development: professional development: the Balancing Act!

Professor Sally Brown Higher Education / Interim Manager Supporting the Supporters, Cheltenham 8th June 2004

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.

 Mobility of staff (?Transfer market?); Opportunities to make a huge difference to student learning; Rebalancing teaching and research imperatives in HEIs (to some extent).

Potential impact on the learning and teaching environment

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.

 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.

How do I know what development opportunities to take up?

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 copresenting 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.