Personal Development Planning.pdf

Personal Development
Planning
(PDP)
A Tutor Perspective
Sue Atkinson
Programme Manager
Foundation Degree, Public Services

The experience of delivering PDP and
skills across different Foundation
Degrees has uncovered problems with
student (and tutor) perception of the
value and worth of PDP’s and the way
in which they relate to the vocational
world of work.
‘‘I don’t understand the value of
doing extra work alongside my
studies’’
first year degree student

PDP- the concept
A vehicle which will enable students
to identify, engage with, and reflect
upon the personal and professional
skills and competences required for
entry to and progression within their
chosen career.

The subjective nature of PDP often
causes problems with assessment for
staff who are inexperienced with this
medium. It is vital that we generate
an appreciation of the aims and
objectives which fuel the PDP
project and reflect this within
tutoring and assessment strategies.
‘‘I feel as lost as the students, its beyond
my remit’’
PDP facilitator

Complexities
Students need confidence to
navigate their way through material
and templates which often seem
complex and unrelated to their
personal experiences.
There is a need for a positive
approach to PDP across all areas of
academic delivery and a parallel
need to ensure cohesiveness and
uniformity of standards.

Review of the PDP system
This was achieved by a series of interviews and focus
groups to determine student perceptions of PDP.
Review current practice within programme areas.
Review materials and tools available through the
PDP-UK-Network partnership.
Utilisation of information from the Centre for
Recording Achievement
KEN (Knowledge Exchange Network)

Employer collaboration stage
Using established employer links to gain
a deeper understanding of the way in
which employers want to see students
using PDP.
Collaboration within the Public Services
network to gather evidence and
experience of PDP and skills development.
Development of materials using sources
such as employer link websites which
demonstrate the vocational value of PDP
Design and creation of VLE site.

Outcomes
The creation of a site which will be available to all
students studying on a Foundation Degree within
the college.
The site will be relevant and tailored to the needs
of all academic areas as well as containing
generic materials for use by staff and students
within any H.E teaching programme.
Staff guidance and support materials to enhance
and integrate the PDP process within
programmes of delivery and the tutorial system.
Dissemination of knowledge outcome through the
Public Services network and subject forums.

Blended learning and beyond…..
A strategic approach to Blended Learning
This project aims to engage with blended delivery
and the facilitation of a range of learning strategies
in the area of PDP.
Given the nature of PDP and transferable skills
development, it is crucial that there is some focus on
the development of the individual student through
blended learning strategies.
These can engage students and allow ownership and
self-direction, but at a pace to suit individual student
needs.

Research Aims
To build upon existing knowledge and
understanding of the issues relating to the
delivery and effective integration of PDP into
Foundation Degree programmes.
To use student and graduate learning
experiences to inform the design and
implementation of a virtual learning site which
will meet the needs of tutors and students from
a range of disciplines.
Generate understanding and appreciation of the
role of PDP within all Foundation Degree
programmes of study.
Enable students to engage confidently with the
PDP and academic tracking process.
Involve employers in the design and
implementation of PDP material.