- the learner is in control
- it is a holistic process
It starts with having a personal goal, having a dream - without thinking about what we would like to achieve, how do we move forward and 'grow' as people.
We say 'grow' but we use the word in the context of self-development, emotional development and cognitive development. The overall effect helps us develop new understandings about life and self-awareness. You may find you react in a certain way in a particular situation. On reflection you might wish you had done things differently. By engaging in CPD it enables this process of personal 'growth' and development.
(Roscoe, 2002; Whitaker, 2004).
- it looks forward to how we want to be, reflects on how we are and focus is towards the future direction (Loo & Thorpe, 2002; Megginson & Whitaker, 2004).
It is debatable whether life is not about continuous change. Much of the change that takes place happens subconsiously (Hayes and Hyde, 2002) and with a focus towards the future it enables this developmental process (Megginson & Whitaker, 2004;Loo & Thorpe, 2002; Hayes & Hyde, 2002).
- it can work for you with or without support from your employer
You might choose to pay for your education, but personal reflection on your achievements and learning can cost you very little. For example, past experiences and new knowledge in our opinion is the value of CPD. We believe this is what underpins your CPD.
(Megginson & Whitaker, 2004).
If you develop this sort of insight and self-awareness, you will also develop self-esteem, self-worth and self-belief which in themselves engage in the CPD process. Remember, CPD is an on-going process
(King, 2004; Megginson & Whitaker, 2004).
When you truely engage in reflective practice it becomes good habit (Loo & Thorpe, 2002). The real value is knowing that the more you know the more you want to know.
(Argyris, 1964: cited by Mullins, 2005).
In effect this also involves a lifelong learning process - we believe we never stop learning. As well as this, there is a common thread of thought that if you don't learn you lie dormant and miss out on having a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
(King & Nicol, 1999)
This is essential to having a sense of psychological well-being.
(King & Nicol, 1999; Bridges, 2005).
And finally, what we want you to remember is that CPD is not a remedy for everything - like everything else we advise it must be looked at in relation to the rest of your life. In other words …
whatever else is going on around you in the organisational context and the wider work environment.
(Megginson & Whitaker, 2004).
