Introduction to the Professional Development Framework

NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
FOR ALL STAFF WHO TEACH IN HIGHER EDUCATION

In 2016, following extensive research and consultancy with the Higher Education Community, The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Ireland issued its Professional Development Framework for all Staff who Teach in Higher Education (PDF). The PDF uses the term “teach” as “inclusive of all the activities involved in the teaching and the facilitation of student learning” and also incorporates the principles of student engagement in the learning process. To promote engagement and exploration of the PDF, the Forum funded a number of pilots and projects including L2L: Library Staff Learning to Support Learners Learning. The PDF aims to address all types of learning (formal, non-accredited, structured etc.) It is a tool which can be used at all stages of one’s career and is designed to be used as an on-going framework for engaging with our learning and experience. It aims to:

  • Empower staff to create, discover and engage in meaningful personal and professional development in a variety of ways.
  • Encourage staff to engage in peer dialogue and support in their professional development activities.
  • Enhance and develop the pedagogy of individual disciplines
    for relevance and authenticity and enable learning from other disciplines.
  • Assist staff to reflect on, plan and contribute to the evidence-based
    enhancement and transformation of their teaching and learning approaches.
  • Contribute to the quality assurance and enhancement of the student learning experience.

The values informing the Professional Development Framework include:

  • Authenticity
  • Scholarship
  • Inclusivity
  • Collaboration
  • Learner-centredness

Domain 1

Personal Development: The ‘Self’ in Teaching and Learning

Domain 2

Professional Identity, Values and Development in Teaching and Learning

Domain 3

Professional Communication and Dialogue in Teaching and Learning

Domain 4

Professional Knowledge and Skills in Teaching and Learning

Domain 5

Personal and Professional Digital Capacity in Teaching and Learning

Library

Staff

Learning

Critical Questions to Start With

Learning Alone and Learning with Peers/Triads

Learning Through the PDF: an Introduction into Reflective Practice and Action Research