Enhancing Personal and Professional Development through Self-Managed Learning

This document discusses the ways in which self-managed learning can enhance lifelong development in personal and professional contexts. It covers approaches to self-managed learning, encouraging lifelong learning, evaluating the benefits of self-managed learning, and identifying opportunities for individual and professional development. The document also includes a personal and professional development plan and outlines the activities needed to implement the plan.

Personal and professional development

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
ways in which life-long development can be enhanced by self-managed learning.........................4
Approaches to self-managed learning.........................................................................................4
Encouraging lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts.........................................5
Evaluation of the benefits of self-managed learning to individuals............................................5
Identification of the opportunities to take responsIbility for individual and professional
development.....................................................................................................................................7
Portfolio to identify professional standards for UK police department.......................................7
Learning style questionnaire and SWOT analysis.......................................................................7
Undertaking activities to address key weakness and future needs..............................................8
Personal and professional development plan.................................................................................10
Identification of process and activities needed to implement the personal development plan..10
Outlining the planned development activities...........................................................................11
Section 1........................................................................................................................................12
Assessment of own learning against actual aims and objectives stated in the personal
development plan.......................................................................................................................13
Reviewing interpersonal and transferrable skills...........................................................................14
Defining the acquired and applied interpersonal and transferrable skills..................................14
Identification of effective communication across various scenarios.........................................15

Analysis of the acquired skills and qualities in pursuing the career path in the UK police
department.................................................................................................................................16
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................16
References......................................................................................................................................18
Appendix 1.....................................................................................................................................20
Reflective- Log..............................................................................................................................21

INTRODUCTION
The present study is based on the critical evaluation and analysis of how self-managed learning
can help in improvising personal and professional career paths and lifelong development. In
addition, the study will also cover approaches to self-managed learning and reviewing
interpersonal and transferrable skills. The study will conduct a personal development, by
considering own SWOT and SMART principles.
WAYS IN WHICH LIFE-LONG DEVELOPMENT CAN BE ENHANCED
BY SELF-MANAGED LEARNING
Approaches to self-managed learning
There are various approaches to self-managed learning, and the same are described as below:
Seminars and conferences: Individuals can learn through seminars and conferences wherein they
have experienced things and make changes to future accordingly(Cunningham, 2017). This
provides individuals with the opportunity to showcase their knowledge regarding aspects to other
people, while this also assists in becoming a confident public speaker and developing
presentation skills.
Social network: There are various social networking sites by which individuals can get involved
with people and interact with them, thereby ending up by gaining learning new things and
information. By this, individuals can share ideas and opinions with people and developing new
skills, communication ways and personality(Cunningham and Bennett, 2017).

Internet: Individuals can derive knowledge by surfing on the internet and distinct websites for
which are related to communication etc. Internet is one of the most significant methods for
individuals to acquire self-managed learning; immense knowledge could be gained as it is rich
and productive in providing useful content and information (Vleuten and et al., 2015). Thus, I
can state that these approaches can be very beneficial for me to develop my inherent capabilities
while improving my lifelong development simultaneously.
Encouraging lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts
I am proposing ways by which lifelong learning could be encouraged, such as self-directed
learning; it is a notion that possesses a range of application and interpretation in the training
arena. It can be said that such interpretation provides learners with some sort of choices in their
learning that provides them feasibility, on-the-job training and can enable them to choose
whatever they want to. Personal strategies can also help in encouraging life learning, as in this
individual's set specific targets to improve their skills. It is essential to interpret the current needs
of learning, to promote it further (Nguyenand Walker, 2016). In addition, along with this,
understanding the future needs is also vital to position future values and ultimate objectives.
Lifelong learning can be encouraged in personal and professional development through SWOT
analysis, i.e. self-evaluation, by analyzing my own strengths, weakness, opportunities and
threats, I would be better able to evaluate myself and find the gaps where I am lacking and fill
them up with my personal strengths.
Evaluation of the benefits of self-managed learning to individuals
There are several benefits and positive impact of self-managed learning for an individual learner,
it assists them in acquiring interpersonal, problem-solving, communication and decision-making

skills, and more learning can be learnt from personal experience which could be advantageous to
the individual and the chosen field as a whole(Boeren, 2017).
Self-managed learning helps in developing communication skills which are very beneficial for an
individual to help to work as independent as a consequence it comes up with new concepts that
will be shared with other people to learn new aspects which they are unaware about.
The main benefit for individuals is that they can accomplish their specified and set examples at a
certain phase of life. Additionally, the competitiveness can also be increased when an individual
possesses an attitude of self-managed learning (Cunningham and Dawes, 2016). Thus, they can
claim for the best position in their chosen field. Moreover, there could be an increase in
intellectual skills, and most significantly, there would be an increase in confidence and also
making the individuals full of opportunities and capabilities.
Individual benefits from the SML are the skills derived wherein one I can improvise and
progress, such as meeting new aims and challenges, addressing ambiguity, self-awareness, and
learning new approaches to life-long development, creating new ideas and sharing the same
while putting them in practice(Bennett, 2017). Self-managed learning is more flexible, and
individuals tend to be comfortable in this learning process. In addition to this, it assists
individuals in learning various significant skills in short-term, resulting in effective and
permanent.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE
RESPONSIBILITY FOR INDIVIDUAL AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Portfolio to identify professional standards for UK police department
I want to develop my career as a Police officer in the UK police department, and for the same, I
am required to enhance my skills. In doing so, I will perform a SWOT analysis and establish
SMART goals:
My strengths are inclusive of; good learning skills, goal-oriented, ambitious, determined and
self-motivated, self-confident and possess effective communication skills. On the other hand, my
weaknesses are weak in managing time and multitasking. There are several opportunities
available for me such as I have the willingness to learn more and more, I have compassion and
determination to attain my ultimate goals, learning new skills, enhancing talent and pursuing a
better job in UK police department. However, as I am facing the barrier of time management,
and less capable of resolving conflict, this weakness of time can result in threats and can threaten
my position intensely.
My SMART goals are to become a police officer in the police fraternity in next five years, to
evaluate my skills and competence by comparing required skills for the job and taking constant
feedbacks and having interactions with the person associated with fraternity
Learning style questionnaire and SWOT analysis
To take responsibility for my personal, professional development, I will do my best. As a
consequence of self-evaluation, I am more confident, due to the fact that it has indicated my level
of skill and provided me with the idea of capabilities and talent. In the self-assessment

questions,there are key eight skills, which are problem-solving, communication, teamwork,
personal effectiveness, decision making, interpersonal, self-control, and information technology.
I can state that I can make a better decision about what is wrong and better.
Undertaking activities to address key weakness and future needs
Since I have already mentioned that my weakness lies in managing time and multitasking and the
same I am undertaking some activities which are provided as below:
Objective 1
A great time manager
Improvement areas
Effective Time management and delivering tasks at specified criteria and time
Potential barriers
As I realized thatI am not effective at managing time, the possible barrier can be in terms of
over-checking of tasks, delays, confidence and trust lack.
Specific goals
 Scheduling and setting targets
 Ensuring quality at work
 Reviewing work so that the specified activities are completed on time
 best possible scheduling, so that reasonable time is available to complete tasks
 Communicating and synchronizing with others to achieve tasks timely.
Strategies to improve areas

These stated goals can be accomplished by doing tasks prioritization and considering the
delegation of roles and duties wisely. I will manage the time by conducting to-do list and setting
targets for short terms basis this will help me in taking the optimum utilization of time.
Furthermore, I will also train myself and engage in those activities that will stimulate
communication, supervision and collaborationwhich can facilitate me in doing work with no
confusions; interruption and completing assigned tasks on given time.
Objective 2
Be a Multi-tasker
Improvement area
Avoiding delay and managing tasks timely
Potential barrier
I am not able to hand over tasks to others easily as I suppose that task could not be finished under
my required criteria. Also, I do over-checking and over-reviewing those tasks which are less
important or are already productive in itself.
Specific Goals
 Woking mutually with other team members
 Maintaining to do tasks
 Using new knowledge and information
 Avoiding over checking by asking team members to complete their tasks on reasonable
time and quality
Strategies to improve areas

Initially, I will work on managing time and scheduling tasks so that significant time is allocated
to important tasks. Contributing and providing ongoing efforts not to conduct those mistakes
which were done in the past. I will keep myself updated, and frequently make use of new
information to ensure an updated task record.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Identification of process and activities needed to implement the personal development plan
Since, the police department needs an individual to have better communication skills,
recognizing when to appropriate actions, making a decision on a valid action course, skills in
assessment of situations, reading skills, application of written fact-based information and
comprehending.(Willisand Mastrofski, 2018).
PERSONAL STRATEGY
Further, I have to work on these skills and acquire them by engaging myself in self-managed
learning and training. In this way, I will set out tasks and manage the time accordingly. Plus, will
also work with fellows to establish a sense of shared values and standards to focus on work. By
this, I would have a better picture of the specified skills I need to establish to satisfy the goals as
a police officer. I will also learn about bias and the ways by which this can be overcome, and I
will concentrate on establishing a sense of compassion for others. My goal of being a police
officer, for attaining this I have to initially look forward to conflict resolution build strategies
such as reaching an agreeable solution. Furthermore, I will take my education further, and get
advanced education to become effective at the job.

There is also need for technical skills related to safety training, public health, avoiding criminal
activity, warrants, CPR, investigations, control, prevention program, surveillance and traffic
laws(LindbergandRantatalo, 2015). Far from the communication skills, the best police officer is
also required to build effective relationship and trust. From my personal experience, a police
officer must have critical thinking and self-control skills. The career in law enforcement seems
very appealing but requires a lot of hard work, commitment and efforts with ongoing strategic
actions to be undertaken.
Outlining the planned development activities
For outlining the development planning activities and work, will keep reviewing the plan,
training requirements and necessary research methods.
My specific learning
goals
How can I accomplish
these
People who will help
me in achieving these
goals
Personal objectives
1 To learn effective
communication,
problem-solving,
conflict management
and time management
skills.
Increased confidence in
skills, passing tests,
getting training and
asking for feedback.
My mentor, fellows and
otherrelevant
supervisors who will
help me in reviewing
my plan.
2 To work towards
technical skills, and
keeping myself updated
with new laws and
Setting up situations to
practice technical
aspects and researching
laws and regulation
Relevant law
enforcement officersand
police-related staff.

regulations. regularly.
3 To develop all
interpersonal and
transferable skills
related to the field of
police
Practising active listing,
empathy, being
assertive and cultivating
a positive outlook.
My mentor, fellows and
other relevant bodies
who will help me in
reviewing my plan
Professional objectives
1 To earn the best job
position at UK police
department
By completing my
studies, training courses
and other development
plans.
My mentor, fellows and
other relevant bodies
who will help me in
reviewing my plan
SECTION 1
Once I am done with my studies, I am willing to hold the opportunities in the pathway, so I am
going to apply to the UK police department. With an excellent record in training and academics
to the chosen field, I can consider myself eligible for becoming the most reputable police officer
in the department. I am determined with my vision while I defined my short as well as long term
goals to satisfy my future needs.
Short-term goals:
 5 months from now, I aspire to take training and develop my interpersonal skills and
communication skills
 To get trained for becoming a more matured and calm person, which holds the ability to
handle responsibilities, challenging and tough situations. This will assist me in enhancing
my ability to follow orders.

 Enhance my problem-solving skills to avoid crimes
 It is significant that I stay abreast of the information and updates in the police department
field and the same is possible by improvising my knowledge base
 To attain superior teamwork and good leadership qualities thereby improvise my
experience.
Long-term goals:
 To undoubtedly be a promising and aspiring police officer.
Assessment of own learning against actual aims and objectives stated in the personal
development plan
Initial meeting and preparation: It is essential to cherish meeting and discussions in regards with
the work, this can help in knowing hidden competencies, talent, capabilities, weakness and
strengths, aiding in setting criteria for work(Gholipour, 2016).
Past knowledge and experience: This situation helps in providing vital information which can be
considered for current and future needs, and also experience of past learning can position
considerable influence over original aims and objectives in the drafted plan.
Maintenance of records and estimation: it is significant to maintain records regarding the future
moves to attain the actual objectives(HueyKalyaland Peladeau, 2017). The greater extent of
anticipation can be attained by this approach, and assist in accumulating short term goals to be
associated with the core career milestones.
Motivation and expectations: I need to realize my expectations firstly, and on the basis of the
same I would undertake tasks and engage those skills to establish in my research and planning. I
will keep in mind both my long term and short term goals, and compare my current as well as

future needs. I will make the best use of my provided strengths and exploit my improvement
areas by necessary knowledge and talent.
REVIEWING INTERPERSONAL AND TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS
Defining the acquired and applied interpersonal and transferrable skills
Transferrable skills are considered as those abilities and skills which are reliable and valuable
throughout various areas of life in a social, personal, work and professional context. Role of the
police officer is trying to change people behaviour, and for the same, they have to be an active
listener and showcase solution, interpret problems and situations and are required to follow,
negotiate and motivate. There are some fundamental transferrable skills of a police officer which
are communication skills, interpersonal skills, resilience and leadership skills(Englefield, Black,
Copseyand Knight, 2019). In my opinion, these all skills are required to be applied and acquired
in real context to garner effective results, transferrable skills are very decisive, and these basic
requirements matters most to the role and job position of a police officer.
Interpersonal skills are related to building and development of a relationship with others; it
revolves around motivation, effective listening, a delegation of tasks, supporting others,
perceiving situations, acting sensitive and conveying feelings effectively. Police officer act good
in times of conflict and crises;they have the capability to think and function clearly and
effectively in the mid of a chaotic situation(Nägeleand Stalder, 2017). Thus, it can be stated that
both interpersonal and transferrable skills hold a significant position in the career path of police,
it is because they are needed to juggle up with various projects with differing extents of priority
along with manifold tasks assigned. So working with multiple people demand varying
interpersonal skills to be best at the job and solve their problems in an effective manner.

Identification of effective communication across various scenarios
Police officers try to encourage communication among their fellow practitioners and officers to
make sure that there is no role of conflict(Belur and etal. 2018). This helps related individuals to
have a clear picture of what is needed from them. Further, precise and clarity in information
ensures that there is no involvement of misaligned risks, confusion and delays.
Police job and role initiate a set of different communication skills, reports of police needs
effective written communication skills, they are required to possess a powerful yet differing, sets
of communication skills while dealing with matters and people, civilians, courts and
criminals(Hess, Orthmann, and LaDue, 2015).
Across various scenarios, speaking clearly to develop a better understanding among listeners,
understanding spoken information, being an active listener, understanding written information,
reading and interpreting materials related with work and writing in a clear way so that the same
is understandable(Andersen and etal. 2015). It is vital that in the chosen field, the pursuer or the
learner is effective communication, it is because the responsibilities related with the profession
needs to communicate, listen and talk with people, liaise and control or give orders.
In this job, scenarios will associate with talking and having a meeting with police officers,
testifying in court regarding cases, attending conferences and meeting regarding the handled
matter(Westera and etal. 2016). For this, aspect effective communication plays a major role, with
interviewing the witness and giving order to suspects to drop their weapons. This also needs one
to become a good speaker and listener.

Analysis of the acquired skills and qualities in pursuing the career path in the UK police
department
In pursuit of the chosen field, I am required to work on the entire fundamental to important
skills, and acquire them to make my career safe, secure and successful. From the start, I need to
obtain either a high school diploma or a GED to be eligible to apply for a police officer. Based
on the department, the best position is given to the applicant who has a good performance
review, skills and training; therefore I will rigorously attempt to develop my skills related to
communication, technical, adaptability, empathy and compassion.
In addition, I need to possess a strong ethical sense, as police officers are entrusted with the
maintenance of law and order. Along with this, I need to be in a continuation to learn and
improve more and more, as working as a police officer is all about practice and thriving to
improvise all across the career. Police officers are generally subjected to new laws and
technology, for this aspect I need to consider adaptability and optimal change management, so as
to ensure that that stay updated on the latest laws, rules and tools(Kushchev and etal. 2015). I
must also acquire best leadership skills, as the job of the police is to lead each and everyone to a
good direction, so I have to keep myself self-ready to integrate qualities of integrity, persistence
and wisdom.
CONCLUSION
It is evident that there are several positive impacts of self-managed learning to the individual.
Along with this, personal and professional skills are very effective in the chosen field, and
individuals who have acquired the same will get successful in their personal and professional
life. Therefore, by carrying out the overall self-assessment, I can state that by improvising the

deficit areas and working on my weakness, I can be self-prepared to learn more in the police
field. The set and specified goals provided in the assessment for becoming a police officer in
the UK police department are realistic and measurable. Henceforth, I will put my ideas and
strategies into practice and convert my dreams into reality by using my strengths and grasping
available opportunities.

REFERENCES
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Hess, K.M., Orthmann, C.H. and LaDue, S.E., 2015. Management and supervision in law
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APPENDIX 1

REFLECTIVE- LOG
25th April 2019
6: pm
I attended seminar relating of police training in which I got to know about the skills that are
required to be in a police officer on a mandatory basis. I learned about significance of physical
strength as well as interpersonal skills. It would not be wrong to state that it is necessary to be
physically strong as well as to improve your persona in a continue manner so that you can play
your role as an office is effective manner. I have increased level of self confidence after
attending the seminar and learnt the manner in which I have to move ahead.
10th May 2019
7: pm
During my training period I have learned to be a good listener, goal-oriented, determined and
being ambitious towards the main aim. All these skills have been enhancing to another level as I
have face many barriers to learn and adopt them as a daily practice job. Even I got to know about
importance of time management and I learned to make schedules in order to accomplish task
within time. As a police officer it is necessary to be a multi-tasker; thus I practiced the same
through assessing the manner in which my team members are working along with emphasizing
on my individual goal. Thus, the practice assisted in knowing about the capability of individual
team members as well as myself.