Workplace Learning and Development Ann Ritchie Chair, Continuing Professional Development & Workplace Learning Section IFLA June 2004
Outline History of CPD&WL Section What is workplace learning and why is it important? Differences between CPD and workplace learning Mentoring
Qualities of continuing education Notion of lifelong learning Updating a person’s education Allows diversification into a new area Individual carries the basic responsibility Education activities beyond those for entrance into the field Stone, Patrick & Conroy, 1974
History of CPERT/CPD&WL 1974 qualities of continuing education 1978 Betty Stone’s paper to IFLA and need for international focus 1985 first world conference 1986 CPERT established 2002 CPD&WL became a Section
Broader scope of CPD&WL Concept of ‘professional education’ to ‘professional development’ Addition of ‘workplace learning’ Implications for continuous quality improvement and professional standards Partnerships between libraries and professional associations
Continuing Professional Development &Workplace Learning Section
CPD&WL activities Discussion list Online newsletter Special projects Programs and workshops at annual IFLA World Congress - next in Oslo 2005 Conferences pre-IFLA periodically Published proceedings
What is workplace learning? Highly intentional learning undertaken on the individual’s own initiative and conducted at a pace and with resources of one’s own choosing. Varlejs, 1996
Why is it important? Librarians - 3 times hours in WPL than in formal continuing education Health administrators - 20 times hours in informal training than formal In business - 90% WPL occurs outside formal training Adult learning - 80% occurs outside formal educational institutions
What is workplace learning? reasoned learning towards desirable outcomes for the individual and the organisation..outcomes should foster the sustained development of both.. within the present and future organisational context. Matthews, 1999
Workplace vs CPD Learning Where and when? in the workplace in working hours Why? Individual skills, knowledge, attributes=competencies business/strategic plan Responsibility? employing organisation & employee - performance outside the workplace anytime individual development professional workforce, future planning individual & professional association - standards
Model of continuing education In the workplace: in-service training, coaching, mentoring incidental learning self-directed learning projects current awareness Outside the workplace: professional meetings, conferences workshops, courses visits, job exchanges Varlejs, 1997
Workplace vs CPD Learning Where and when? in the workplace in working hours Why? Individual skills, knowledge, attributes=competencies business/strategic plan Responsibility? employing organisation & employee - performance outside the workplace anytime individual development professional workforce, future planning individual & professional - standards
Mentoring functions & roles Career Sponsorship Coaching Exposure & visibility Challenging work Protection Psychosocial Role modelling Counselling Confirmation Friendship Kram & Isabella, 1985
Essential characteristics of mentoring 2-way learning relationship Purposes: 1. Career development 2. Psychosocial development 3. Professional development Long term with developmental stages
KIB mentoring objectives Increase contact between departments increase contacts between employees with different lengths of service increase learning from each other provide tools for interest in new learning
Critical success factors Clearly defined purpose and goals coordinator/committee support mentors with interpersonal skills and interest in development of others training in mentoring skills accessible mentors regular meeting activities rather than personalities matter
Conclusion Importance of workplace learning may be underrated WPL and CPD activities may overlap e.g. mentoring Differences - context, purpose, responsibilities Can be complementary Opportunities for partnerships CPD&WL international forum