PDP Policy at UW

The implementation of Personal Development Planning [PDP] in UK Higher Education is a unique learning and teaching project and a world first; a sector wide initiative aimed at implementing a particular framework for enhancing and capturing student learning [Jackson & Ward, 2004]. This sector wide agreement was reached in 2001 with PDP to be implemented across all HE provision by 2005/6 and to be monitored and enhanced thereafter. Guidance for the sector was updated in 2009. The sector wide definition of 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.’

However the agreement allowed that ‘the nature and scope of opportunities for PDP, and the recording and support strategies will be determined by each HE institution.’ The University of Worcester provides support for student engagement in PDP by three different routes:

Independent student PDP – was supported through the provision of materials and resources direct to students via the student web pages.
The PebblePad ePortfolio system is being developed to take on this role but the Student Qualities Profile materials are still available.
Through the personal tutorial system – The primary role of the personal tutor at Worcester is to support student personal development planning.
This role is set out in the Student Handbook and guidance for staff is provided in the personal tutor guide
Through the curriculum – all programmes at the University, including both taught and research awards are expected to support student PDP in line with the University’s Quality Standards.
The University of Worcester has developed and agreed its own Quality Standards for provision of opportunities for students to engage in PDP based on those set out in the sector wide agreement. The UW standards apply across all our programmes and are expressed in terms of student entitlement, to emphasise the student-centred nature of UW provision.

University of Worcester Quality Standards for provision of opportunities to engage in PDP

Students on all programmes will be provided with:

1. Advance information on

a. The opportunities offered to engage in PDP through their programme of study

i. For example, through the programme specification, prospectus and/or other advanced information packs

b. Information on the ways in which their own evidence of learning may be eligible for accreditation

i. For example, APL or AP(E)L, work experience, reflective practice etc.

2. At the start of their programme

a. A rationale for engagement in PDP throughout the programme
b. An introduction to PDP
c. An introduction to the opportunities provided by the programme for PDP

i. For example, an introduction to the PDP tool used by the programme, advice in the programme documentation (student handbook) and perhaps an exercise based on that tool to introduce the concept of PDP

3. At each stage of the programme

a. A rationale for any development or change in the use of PDP mechanisms as the programme progresses.

4. Throughout their programme

a. Opportunity to engage in PDP across a range of learning contexts

i. For example, in theory and practice, regarding work-based, social or formal learning, experiential or information based, SU activity or study abroad etc.b. Accessible support mechanisms for engagement in PDP across the range of learning contexts

ii. For example, dedicated documentation for work placement or practice based learning, general PDP tools, student handbook advice, web material, structured exercises and tutor support.

c. Opportunity to build a record of their learning achievements

d. Opportunity to discuss their PDP with a tutor or advisor

i. For example, unit and/or personal tutor support, careers adviser etc.

5. On completion of the programme, inclusion of any formal accreditation of engagement in PDP to be included on the transcript.

These standards to be assured by mapping them against all programme provision and their fulfilment to be tested at validation and periodic review.

Further guidance on the ways in which student PDP can be supported are provided on the Academic Development and Practice Unit PDP website.

References

Jackson, N. & Ward, R. (2004) A Fresh Perspective On Progress Files - A Way of Representing Complex Learning and Achievement in Higher Education http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/resources.asp?process=full_record§ion=generic&id=361

QAA, UUK, SCoP & CoSHEP, (2001) Guidelines for HE Progress File http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/progfileHE/guidelines/progfile2001.htm

QAA (2009) PDP: Guidance for institutional policy and practice in HE http://qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/progressFiles/guidelines/PDP/default.asp

Author: Dr John Peters