UK Centre for Materials Education
Working with you to enhance the student experience
Working with you to enhance the student experience
| The Keynote Project is a Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning Phase 3 consortium project which focuses on key skills, graduate employability and lifelong learning, primarily in the Materials Technology sector. |
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The project is led by The Nottingham Trent University in partnership with The London Institute and The University of Leeds. Part of its work, since May 2000, has been to develop a Personal Development Planning Guide, in the form of an interactive CD ROM.
Personal Development Plans (PDPs) are a key element of the Student Progress Files which the 1997 Dearing Report recommended that all HE institutions develop, and which the QAA have stated 'should be operational across the whole HE system and for all HE awards by 2005/06.'
The Keynote PDP guide is intended to be a user-friendly tool
to support the concept of lifelong learning by enabling students
to reflect on their past achievements, monitor their progress and
learning experiences and plan for their future development.
The Keynote PDP Guide explains the concept of PDP, together with a
rationale as to the value of the process, and gives information on
how to use it. The contents of the CD ROM are arranged under 6 sections,
namely:
Each section links to editable Word documents for students to complete, record and retain information. For example, there is a skills audit under the 'Key Skills' section which provides the opportunity to map progress in specific skill areas.
'Live links' direct students to the many opportunities available to them both within their institution and outside, e.g. employment, academic, career, clubs, societies, voluntary work, CV writing.
The PDP CD ROM is currently being trialled by the three Keynote Project partners, as well as a further six collaborating institutions. The trial is extensive, covering staff and students from several different disciplines and levels of study. Evaluation feedback from industry and student support sections of institutions is also being sought.
The CD, modified in line with trial feedback, will be launched together with the other outputs of the Keynote Project, at a one day conference, which is to be held at The Nottingham Trent University on 20 June 2002. All are welcome to attend this free event. Further information is available at the project web site http://www.keynote-project.co.uk/
David Allen
