National Action Research Network: Researching and Evaluating PDP and ePortfolio Practice Sue Burkinshaw, University of Bolton Dr John Peters, NTF University of Worcester Rob Ward, Centre for Recording Achievement

Issues PDP – a world first sector-wide initiative Repeated calls for more robust evaluation [QAA 2001, Burgess 2004, Clegg 2004, Gough et al 2003, Ward & Strivens 2004] Purposes and claims of PDP clearly defined Implementation varies in terms of models, methods and emphasis Situated rich pictures of student experience of implementation needed to illuminate impact on student learning

Aims & Objectives Capacity building amongst PDP practitioners to develop, undertake and share situated, rich, authentic and robust research and evaluation of PDP practice. Here defined as ‘enhancing people’s awareness and capabilities, individually and collectively, to produce the results they truly care about’ [Senge & Scharmer 2001] Build on existing practice, expertise, network and ‘community of practice’ Address sector concerns about effective PDP implementation Provide transferable outputs Practitioner capacity Improve knowledge-base

Outcomes A body of scholarly knowledge to inform more effective PDP implementation Series of dissemination activities A community of ‘research capable’ PDP practitioners Engage students as active participants Link with AGR and CIHE Enhance international links on PDP

Means Participant / community action research at the meta-level of sharing, developing and undertaking research and evaluation design and outcomes ‘Fostering relationships and collaboration amongst diverse organizations … creating settings for collective reflection that enable people … to ‘see themselves in another’ [and] leveraging progress… through cross-institutional links’ [Senge & Scharmer 2001]

The project Network project 16 HEIs 3 regional networks University of Bolton leadership Based within CRA network ‘Principal investigator’ National level 4 events: introduction, research design, data gathering, dissemination Regional level 6 meetings: share & discuss research process action research cycle & ‘critical friends’ Institutional level Conduct robust research and evaluation