IfL workshops to help teachers and trainers throughout FE

The Institute for Learning (IfL) has announced it intends to continue running a series of workshops in support of teachers and trainers throughout the further and education sector. The move follows the success of its June seminars, for those who are required to undertake at least 30 hours’ continuing professional development (CPD) a year, prorated for part-time staff.

Dr Jean Kelly, head of professional development at IfL, said: “If you haven’t already done so, you need to start thinking about and planning your professional development. The important thing to consider is which kind of learning activities will make a difference to your teaching and to your learners.”

Participants will be able to explore and understand how to use REfLECT, IfL’s online tool for members to record various CPD activities and reflect on their professional practice. Each workshop comprises two practical sessions, after which participants will be able to come together to support colleagues and peers in their use of RefLECT.

Dr Kelly added: “Our advice is to use the CPD guidelines on our website. Using the model of dual professionalism will help you identify key areas in your subject specialism, industrial expertise and teaching and learning approaches that might need updating. You might also find it helpful to plan your CPD with others, if you can – sometimes the most obvious things to focus on are not obvious to you. Remember too that evidence of peer discussion and feedback counts as professional development if it has an impact on your practice.”

IfL is currently organising a further series of workshops for the first quarter of 2009 as its October events are now fully booked. Full details will be published on IfL’s website in the near future.