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•Maths Support •Personal and Study Support •Setting Goals •Timtables/Useful Forms

1.      PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING (PDP)

  

1.1       Introduction

 

Personal Development Planning (PDP) for students studying at Glasgow Caledonian University is embedded within the University to assist you to develop as an independent and confident learner, not only during your time with us, but throughout your future career.  PDP allows more effective monitoring of your progress while undertaking your programme of studies.

As a member of a professional community, you will be required to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) throughout your career.  Learning therefore must be seen as a lifetime activity, and the introduction of PDP at the early stages of your career prepares you for these future requirements.

 The process has been concisely described as:

“a structured and supported process undertaken by the individual to reflect upon their own learning and performance, and /or achievement, and to plan for their personal education and career development.”

QAA Policy statement on a Progress File for HE May 2000

 

1.2       Importance of Personal Development Planning

 

Personal Development Planning (PDP) provides an opportunity for you to develop your capacity for learning, by getting you to reflect on why and how you are learning, and to become more capable of reviewing, planning and taking responsibility for your studies.  All of the foregoing will of course, be supported by staff, in particular your Personal Tutor who is also your PDP Advisor.

 The key objectives of the process can be summarised as follows: - 

  • To help you become a more effective, independent and confident self-directed learner.
  • To understand how you are learning and be able to relate that learning to a wider context.
  • To improve your general skills for study and career management.
  • To articulate your personal goals and evaluate progress towards your achievement.
  • To encourage you to develop a positive attitude to learning throughout your professional life.

 Key outputs of the process across the levels of your programme could be: 

  • personal information statement
  • record of achievement
  • progress review and action plan
  • career development record: Curriculum Vitae
  • portfolio of evidence taken from the output from your study modules
  • strengths and areas to be developed

PDP is an on-going, cumulative process undertaken throughout each level of your programme of study which encourages you to reflect on your academic progress, personal and professional development and to provide an evidence base for evaluation decisions to be made.

Benefits of participation in the PDP process:

 The benefits of undertaking PDP can be summarised as follows: 

  • improving development of personal and social skills, thereby increasing self-awareness of ability, aptitude and character
  • learning discipline and effective time management
  • developing self-confidence
  • clarifying career progression decisions and objectives
  • becoming a more reflective practitioner
  • you can share your PDP information with others and remain the owner of the information when you leave Glasgow Caledonian University.

On completion of your programme of study, you will have:

·        participated in PDP in a range of learning contexts at each level of your programme (e.g. classroom, group or resource based learning, encompassing both library and laboratory)

·        demonstrated that you can access and use the aids and tools provided by GCU to help you reflect upon your own learning and achievements

(e.g. ICT Skills, My Caledonian, Blackboard, Personal Tutor scheme, library and web based resources) 

·        undertaken planning for your own personal, educational and career development 

·        created, with support, your own learning records in a folio containing information on the qualities and skills you can evidence when applying for employment or further study.

1.3       PDP Documentation and the Progress File

 You must compile a Progress File at the end of each academic session, comprising the following components: 

1.                  Personal Development Record 

The Personal Development Record, compiled by you, should allow you to reflect and review your progress during the academic session, to record your achievement of outcomes, and to develop, with your PDP Advisor’s assistance, an Action Plan to address any issues arising during the session. 

2.         Academic Transcript 

The Transcript component of your progress file is compiled by the University and can be entered into your Progress File after Assessment Board results have been confirmed at the end of each session.    

 

2.    Year 1 Students - Meetings with Personal Tutors and PDP GOALS 

2.1       Introduction 

Your engagement with the PDP process will be recorded on your Goals Sheet (refer to copy in Appendix A and to your PDP Diary) maintained by your Personal Tutor – each Goal is regarded as a ‘Tickable Achievable Task’ (TAT).  Successful completion of all your TATs will accumulate 20 marks over the academic year with this contributing to the assessment of modules identified within your programme (the module leader will make this clear to you in the assessment arrangements for the relevant modules).

During the academic year you will be supported through Milestone Meetings by your Personal Tutor.  The number and timing of these milestone meetings may vary, but it is recommended that students should meet their Personal Tutors no less than three times in the academic year.  These meetings will provide an opportunity for induction and explanation, review and reflection on performance, and determination of actions arising.

For Level 1 students, the expected number of milestone meetings is:

 ·        Early in Semester A

·        Mid-Semester in Semester A

·        Mid-Semester in Semester B

·        End of Semester B prior to the formal assessment period

Your Personal Tutor (PDP Advisor) will meet you in small tutor groups or in person on a one-to-one basis during the academic year, to discuss, direct and advise you on the content and direction of your learning experiences.  It is therefore important that you constantly update and record your progress, to ensure that a full and accurate evidence base develops through your studies.

N.B. You are responsible for the collation, compilation and substantiation of the PDP activities.

 

2.2  Program of Activity for Personal Development Planning and Tutor Support

This section outlines meetings and activities that will take place during Semester A and B. Instructions for preparation for the meetings are given in ACTIVITY sections.

On the completion of each activity you should ensure that your Personal Development Record is updated accordingly.

Important Note: - Please feel free to arrange additional meetings with your personal tutor as and when the need arises.

2.2.1        Milestone 1/Week 2  Sem A – Reflection on Learning Style and Early Experience of University

Milestone 1 corresponds to TATs 1-2 from your Semester A Goals.

ACTIVITY: 

·  Complete your online learning styles questionnaire which you will find at http://quest.gcal.ac.uk/que.asp and retain a copy of the report.

·         Reflect on your first few weeks at Glasgow Caledonian and identify any issues you wish to discuss in an open forum within your personal tutor group.

·         You will be contacted by your personal tutor who will set up the first meeting of your personal tutor group for Week 2 or 3.  Use this first meeting to discuss your learning style (bring along a copy of the results from your learning styles questionnaire) and the issues you have identified.  After the meeting produce a short summary of what was discussed and how this has informed your approach to your studies  – keep a copy of this summary and the learning styles report in your Personal Development Record. 

2.2.2    Milestone 2 /Week 6 Sem A – Reflection on Progress and Development of Study Timetable (Plan) 

Milestone 2 corresponds to TATs 3-4 from your Semester A Goals. 

ACTIVITY: 

·         Reflect on your progress to date including feedback from your first attendance letter and develop your study timetable (plan).  Your study timetable should identify your key study areas and when you plan to work on these.

·         Arrange a personal meeting with your personal tutor for Week 6 or 7.  Discuss your progress to date and your study timetable at this meeting.  Agree a working version of your study timetable and actions to underpin the successful completion of Semester A.  Produce a short summary of what was discussed and agreed at this meeting and keep a copy of this together with your study timetable in your Personal Development Record. 

2.2.3        Milestone 3 / Week 6 Sem B – Reflection on Semester A performance and ELS Workshop 

Milestone 3 corresponds to TATs 5-7 from your Semester B Goals. 

ACTIVITY: 

·     During Week 1 of Semester B, reflect on your Semester A performance including feedback on attendance and complete your Semester A reflection sheet.

·         During Week 3 send an e-mail to your personal tutor informing him/her of your Semester A results.

·         During Week 5 attend Effective Learning Service (ELS) workshop and develop an action plan which you can complete in your PDP Diary.  Present this at your next meeting with your personal tutor.

·         Arrange a meeting with your personal tutor for Week 6.  Be prepared to discuss the above and bring your draft action plan to the meeting.  Discuss and agree a working version of your plan (update your Personal Development Record with the material developed during the above activity). 

2.2.4        Milestone 4 / Week 11 Sem B – Complete CV and Personal Development Record 

Milestone 4 corresponds to TATs 8-9 from your Semester B Goals. 

ACTIVITY: 

·         Develop an up-to-date version of your CV following the lecture on CV preparation.

·         Consider and bring together the material you have presented at all the previous meetings (as outlined above).  Reflect on this and develop your action plan to prepare for your Semester B examinations. This material together with your CV will constitute your Personal Development Record for year 1.

·         Arrange a meeting with personal tutor for Week 11 and present and discuss the above including your CV.  Update your Personal Development Record with the material developed through the above activity including your CV. 

 

3.          Year 2 Students - Meetings with Personal Tutors and PDP GOALS 

3.1       Introduction 

In Year 2 of your programme PDP activity builds on the foundations laid in Year 1 and will continue to compliment and support your learning experience with us.  The focus in Year 2 will be towards further development of your CV and understanding the relationship between the skills and competences developed within your programme of study and employability. Employability relates to the range of attributes required to commence employment and to facilitate continued development within a professional context. This includes self-promotional and career management skills and the willingness to learn and reflect on learning. 

Your engagement with this will be supported by your Personal Tutor (normally assigned to you in Year 1) and your Programme Leader.  However, there is an expectation in year 2 that you will take an increasing level of personal responsibility for engaging in PDP activity. 

During the academic year you will be supported through Milestone Meetings by your Personal Tutor.  The number and timing of these milestone meetings may vary, but it is recommended that students should meet their Personal Tutors no less than three times in the academic session.  These meetings will provide an opportunity for support on your PDP activity, for review and reflection on general performance, and the determination of actions arising.  

For Level 2 students, the expected number of milestone meetings is: 

·        Mid-Semester in Semester A

·        Mid-Semester in Semester B

·        End of Semester B prior to the formal assessment period 

Your Personal Tutor (PDP Advisor) will meet you in small tutor groups or in person on a one-to-one basis during the academic year, to discuss, direct and advise you on the content and direction of your PDP activity.  It is therefore important that you constantly update and record your progress, to ensure that a full and accurate evidence base develops through your studies. 

N.B. You are responsible for the collation, compilation and substantiation of the PDP activities.  

3.2  Program of Activity for Personal Development Planning and Tutor Support 

This section outlines meetings and activities that will take place during Semester A and B. Instructions for preparation for the meetings are given in ACTIVITY sections.  This is also summarised on your Year 2 PDP Goals sheet shown in Appendix B. 

On the completion of each activity you should ensure that your Personal Development Record is updated accordingly.  You are encouraged to maintain an electronic version of this for convenience and ease of portability. 

Important Note: - Please feel free to arrange additional meetings with your personal tutor as and when the need arises. 

3.2.1        Milestone 1/Week 8  Sem A – Engaging with Year 2 Studies 

Milestone 1 corresponds to TATs 1-2 from your Semester A Goals. 

ACTIVITY: 

·         Attend transition to Year 2 session held in Week 1 and presented by your Programme Leader.  This will provide you with an opportunity to take a forward look at year 2 of your studies and identify key challenges and focus.

·         Your Personal Tutor will arrange a meeting with you around Week 8.  At this meeting discuss progress to date on year 2, identify areas to be addressed and agree actions to be included in your development plan.

·         Update your personal development record with material generated from the above activity. 

3.2.2    Milestone 2 /Week 8 Sem B – CV Workshop and Preparation 

Milestone 2 corresponds to TATs 3-5 from your Semester B Goals. 

ACTIVITY: 

·         Attend the workshop on ‘Preparing your CV’ prior to Week 5. Based on the workshop update your CV.

·         Forward a copy of your updated CV to your Personal Tutor prior to Week 7.

·         Arrange a meeting with your Personal Tutor for Week 8.  Discuss the outcome of the workshop with your Personal Tutor including how your CV relates to skills and competences developed on and outwith your programme.  Your Personal Tutor will provide you with feedback on the CV.

·         Produce a short summary of the feedback obtained at your meeting and update your Personal Development Record highlighting the areas you plan to develop. 

3.2.3        Milestone 3 / Week 11 Sem B – Reflection on Semester B and preparation for final examination 

Milestone 3 corresponds to TAT 6 from your Semester B Goals. 

ACTIVITY: 

·         Arrange a meeting with your Personal Tutor for Week 11.

·         Present a copy of your Personal Development Record to your Personal Tutor.

·         Discuss your progress to date and any issues relating to preparation for your final examinations.

·         Agree on any actions stemming from the above and update your Personal Development Record.

 

4.            Year 3 Students - Meetings with Personal Tutors and PDP GOALS 

4.1       Introduction 

In Year 3 of your programme PDP activity builds on the foundations laid in Years 1 and 2 (although some of you will be direct entrants to Year 3) and will continue to compliment and support your learning experience with us.  The focus in Year 3 will be towards understanding the relationship between your programme of study, learning experiences outwith your programme and employability including professional competences.  In addition PDP activity will provide opportunities to develop the skills necessary for job application and interview. 

Your engagement with this will be supported by your Personal Tutor (normally assigned to you in Year 1) and your Programme Leader.  However, there is an expectation in year 3 that you take a greater ownership and responsibility for your Personal and Professional Development Planning than in the earlier stages of your programme. 

During the academic year you will be supported through Milestone Meetings by your Personal Tutor and Programme Leader.  The number and timing of these milestone meetings may vary, but it is recommended that students should meet their Personal Tutors no less than three times in the academic session.  These meetings will provide an opportunity for support on your PDP activity, for review and reflection on general performance, and determination of actions arising.  

For Level 3 students, the expected number of milestone meetings is: 

·        Mid-Semester in Semester A

·        Mid-Semester in Semester B

·        End of Semester B prior to the formal assessment period 

Your Personal Tutor (PDP Advisor) will meet you in small tutor groups or in person on a one-to-one basis during the academic year, to discuss, direct and advise you on the content and direction of your PDP activity.  It is therefore important that you constantly update and record your progress, to ensure that a full and accurate evidence base develops through your studies. 

N.B. You are responsible for the collation, compilation and substantiation of the PDP activities.  

 

4.2  Program of Activity for Personal Development Planning and Tutor Support 

This section outlines meetings and activities that will take place during Semester A and B. Instructions for preparation for the meetings are given in ACTIVITY sections.  This is also summarised on your Year 3 PDP Goals sheet shown in Appendix C. 

On the completion of each activity you should ensure that your Personal Development Record is updated accordingly.  You are encouraged to maintain an electronic version of this for convenience and ease of portability. 

Important Note: - Please feel free to arrange additional meetings with your personal tutor as and when the need arises. 

4.2.1        Milestone 1/Week 7  Sem A – Employability and Your Programme 

Milestone 1 corresponds to TATs 1-2 from your Semester A Goals. 

ACTIVITY: 

·       Attend employability workshop prior to Week 6.  This will provide you with an opportunity to examine the relationship between the learning outcomes of your programme,  professional competences,  your CV and a typical job profile.

·       Your Personal Tutor will arrange a meeting with you around Week 7.  At this meeting discuss the outcome of the employability workshop and agree the approach you will take to develop your job application (maximising on the skills you will develop on your programme).  Also use this meeting to discuss general progress and agree on action to address issues raised.

·       Update your personal development record with material generated from the above activity. 

4.2.2    Milestone 2 /Week 8 Sem B – Job Application and Interview 

Milestone 2 corresponds to TATs 3-5 from your Semester B Goals. 

ACTIVITY: 

·         Attend the workshop on ‘Preparing for Interview’ prior to Week 5.  Complete your job application and update your CV.

·         Forward a copy of your job application and updated CV to your Personal Tutor prior to Week 7.

·         Arrange a meeting with your Personal Tutor for Week 8.  Discuss the outcome of the workshop with your Personal Tutor.  Your Personal Tutor will provide you with feedback on your job application and CV.

·         Produce a short summary of the feedback obtained at your meeting and update your Personal Development Record highlighting the areas you plan to develop. 

4.2.3        Milestone 3 / Week 11 Sem B – Reflection on Semester B and preparation for final examination 

Milestone 3 corresponds to TAT 6 from your Semester B Goals. 

ACTIVITY: 

·         Arrange a meeting with your Personal Tutor for Week 11.

·         Present a copy of your Personal Development Record to your Personal Tutor.

·     Discuss your progress to date and any issues relating to preparation for your final examinations.

·        Agree on any actions stemming from the above and update your Personal Development Record.