SoA CPD Scheme - workshop January 2006

In January 2006 the Society of Archivists launched its pilot Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme.

At the first workshop which took place in Birmingham Central Library on 12 January participants:
> discussed what CPD activity involved
> discovered tools that can make CPD more effective
> shared tips on planning, recording and motivation
> identified support mechanisms that could be helpful.

The Learning Process
Understanding the learning cycle and the four different learning styles helps you to evaluate how you learn and when this is most effective. Participants investigated Kolb''s work on the learning cycle and then evaluated their preferred learning style using Honey and Mumford''s preferred learning style questionnaire (also available online at www.peterhoney.com).

Setting Objectives
''It''s okay to dream ... but dreams must have deadlines''
Participants practiced writing meaningful, realistic deadlines using a prioritising tool and a SMART check.  All deadlines should be
Specific
Measurable
Achievable/Agreed
Realistic/Resourced
Timebound

Reflecting and Recording
Evaluating an activity is vital to identifying what you have learnt and the most important tool for planning future development.  Realising that they way people document things is personal and that there is no such thing as a perfect form, participants shared ideas for recording structures for both future and past activities by looking at existing mechanisms used by their employers and various professional bodies.

Support
Different support types were discussed by participants. The Continuing Development Sub-Committee hope to facilitate the most helpful support mechanisms that we can for the duration of the CPD Scheme including learning groups (small groups of 4-5 peer learners) and buddies (2 person peer-to-peer learning).

What''s next?
Participants on the SoA CPD Scheme will keep a record of their planned and completed CPD activities for the next period of approx six months and support networks will be established and trialled. 

The group will meet up again in July 2006.

If you are interested in joining the SoA CPD Scheme please email cpd@archives.org.uk

Last modified 07/02/2006