Sheffield Hallam University - Implementation of the Trainee Professional Development Record within the PGCE/Cert Ed (PCET)
- Case Study
Introduction
During our 2004–05 Ofsted inspection, Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) presented our action plan to take forward the proposed developments to meet the requirements for 2007 in Equipping our Teachers for the Future. This was well received by Ofsted, who praised our internal evaluation, review and action planning system. The programme was due for revalidation in July 2005, so we were able to take that opportunity to implement our action plan and the feedback from Ofsted.
The action plan and Ofsted feedback included the following elements:
- Subject specialism development
- Mentoring
- Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The Programme Development Team explored the issues and concluded that the creation of a Professional Development Record (PDR) module as an overarching mechanism within the newly validated programme could be the vehicle to deliver all the above elements.
Key idea
"Our aim was to design a Professional Development Record (PDR) module that could be responsive to the developing agenda for 2007, Licence to Practice requirements and registration to the Institute for Learning (IfL).
The challenge was to create a flexible and responsive model to deliver all the above, while at the same time supporting the needs of a diverse group of learners from across the breadth of the sector."
Aims and objectives
The following formed the basis of our pilot proposal:
Aims
- To develop a professional development module which seeks to incorporate strategies for addressing the main points raised in Equipping our Teachers for the Future: Reforming Initial Teacher Training for the Learning and Skills Sector, course action plans and points identified in the Ofsted feedback. This is in preparation for 2007.
Objectives
- To introduce an ILP system that incorporates initial and diagnostic assessment and will include accreditation of prior learning (APCL/APEL), target setting, mechanisms for monitoring and review
- To establish a framework for trainees to be able to engage in CPD throughout their careers in the sector, and enable them to access the IfL registration procedures
- To pilot staff development in the assessment of practice in the context of subject specialism – this should include tutors, mentors and HR staff from partner organisations
- To support the development of subject specialisms.