Digital Badging in Teacher Professional Development

The assignment requires you to review and synthesize findings from ten academic sources on the topic of teacher professional development. These sources include journal articles, a book chapter, and an online blog post, all focusing on various aspects of professional development for teachers, including self-study communities of practice, blended learning in CPD contexts, leadership for learning, collaborative action research approaches, mandatory personal therapy for counseling psychologists in training, beliefs about teaching science, personal histories shaping professional development, online professional development's impact on beliefs and intentions, mindfulness training for teachers' professional development, emergent learning and learning ecologies in Web 2.0, and the importance of self-directed learning. You are to analyze these sources, identify key themes, methods, findings, and implications, and present your analysis in a coherent and well-supported paper.

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches of self managed learning..............................................................................1
1.2 Techniques for increasing life long learning....................................................................2
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning....................................................................................3
4.1 Select solution for work based problems..........................................................................3
4.2 Communication in variety of styles and effective manner at various levels....................4
4.3 How to use time management strategies..........................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against professional standards..............................5
2.2 Identification of own development needs and activities ................................................7
2.3 Identify current and future development needs................................................................8
2.4 Develop a personal and professional development plan .................................................8
3.1 Process and activities to implement of PPD plan.............................................................9
3.2 Document development activities..................................................................................10
3.3 Reflect on own learning aims and outcomes..................................................................10
3.4 Development plan that is based on evaluation and feedback ........................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
In this competitive environment, every individual makes personal and professional plan
for their growth and development. This helps in improving knowledge and skills of THESE
persons. Several business entities are organised such plans in order to groom competencies and
skills of their employees so as they can perform in order to achieve goals and objectives of the
firm. The present report is based upon Travelodge, that provides its services in hospitality
industry in UK. The company is located over 500 locations across the worlds and its prime aim is
to serve best hotel services to their customers (Kumari, 2011). Apart from this, the present will
be describing various approaches and benefits of self managed learning for an individual as well
as business industry. Current skills and competencies will also explained in order to achieve
goals and objectives of the company. A personal and professional plan will be made for an
individual in order to analyse his or her strength and weaknesses.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches of self managed learning
Self managed learning plays an eminent role in growth and success of an individual. So
as individuals and business organisations find different methods to improve efficiencies of their
employees. Therefore, it is essential for Travelodge to identify training requirements of their
staff members and provide them training for the same. In this sense, companies hire some
specialist or representatives for advancement or up-gradation of people who are working at there.
Below mentioned some approaches of self managed learning: - Internet – With this approach, an individual can get vast amount of information. There
are many specific sites and portals through a person can acquire whatever he or she
wants. In this modern era, many business organisations also prefer to provide online
training; it is an easiest method by which employees can get a wide of information and
facts towards any specific topic (Avalos, 2011). Workshops and seminars – Attending productive conferences and workshops are really
very beneficial for growth and improvement of a person. Through this, staff members can
enrich the information about various topics or subjects. In corporate workshops and
seminars, people are interacted with each other and share their ideas that is necessary in
enhancing knowledge in a specific as well as cognitive field.
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 Online courses – There are many tutorials available on internet, therefore individuals
also has option to learn with online courses. Apart from this, in this modern era
educational institutions also provide the option of distance learning for people who lived
in other countries. It is very flexible and adaptable in order to increase professional skills
of a person.
1.2 Techniques for increasing life long learning
Life long has a crucial role in maximising skills and competencies of a person. If a
human being continuously focuses on learning and improving their skills, it is ensure that he or
she will be achieved success in his life cycle. With reference to this, business organisations also
forces their employees to adopt the concept of lifelong learning. There are described following
tools and techniques of lifelong learning which are assistive in increasing productivity and
efficiency of staff members, such are stated as under: -
Self reflective learning
It consists with on the job learning. Self reflective learning refers that, business
organisations provide training and development during their work, this will help upgrading skills
and efficiencies of their staff members. It is necessary for employers to identify all aspects of
training sessions, this could make easier the process of learning for a single person as well as
overall group.
Self management
With the help of this method, employees can learn how to manage things in life long
period. The process of self management learning requires more rules, ethics, principles, values
and morals (Gamrat and et. al., 2014).
SWOT analysis
Identification of own strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats helps a person to
find out the area in which he or she needs to put more efforts to improve it effectively. SWOT
analysis is easy going and applied theme, it helps in resolving some issues and challenges of
others.
External market analysis
Lifelong learning also include assessment of external market factors which affect
individuals learning processes in future. These elements can changed behaviour, attitude,
working skills of employees.
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1.3 Benefits of self managed learning
Self managed learning plays an eminent role for growth and development of an
individual as well as business industries. In Travelodge, if managers adopt self managed learning
then it aids in extending their decision making process, leadership and communication skills.
Benefits for individuals
 The main benefit of self managed learning is, it helps in enhancing skills, knowledge and
competencies of person that is very useful for his or her career growth.
 It helps in increasing decision making abilities of a person, through he or she can take
fast and quick decision in their life cycle. If individuals respond speedy towards a
particular as they can get many good opportunities. Self managed learning is also assistive in measuring performance of an employee in the
association. Therefore, this make individuals more viable as they can perform better at
workplace (Glogowska and et. al., 2011).
Benefits for corporate associations
 As self managed learning helps in improving leadership skills of employees. This, if a
company has effective and efficient leader as it can easily achieve its goals and objectives
in target market.
 Communication is the important aspect for every commercial entity and self managed
learning is supportive in upgrading communication skills of staff members. So as if
employees can communicate in effective manners then they can easily share any thoughts
and ideas for the growth and development of a firm.
4.1 Select solution for work based problems
In a business entity, there are many reasons of conflicts and disputes among workers
which can also reduces market reputation of the firm. Although, managers of Travelodge, are
faced various barriers and obstacles as the company operates all over the world. There are main
problems which generally faces by business entities, such are described as follow: -
 Due to lack of communication, employees cannot share their issues and problems with
managers. Sometimes the problem can create a bridge among managers and workers as
with parties cannot interact together since a long period.
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 There are different type of people are worked in company, all of them have different
cultural, value, believes, race, religion etc. Their dynamic nature generates
misunderstanding and issues among workers. Sometimes problems are related with health and safety measures of employees, if
company is not able to render safe and secure working environment to their employees.
Solutions to these problems: -
 The major solution is resolving all these barriers from a business industry is, a company
have to determine needs and wants of their employees. This will helps in managing
healthy and positive relation with workers which is very essential for companies if wants
to work in effective manner (Roeser and et. al., 2012).
 Travelodge needs to improve their current strategies and policies so make new ones
which is able to deliver safe and secure atmosphere to employees. Managers also focuses
on executing a friendly as well as stress free environment, this can generate mutual
understanding among all staff members.
4.2 Communication in variety of styles and effective manner at various levels
There are many types of learning styles which helps in improving productivity of the firm
so as to achieve its goals and objectives in effective manner. In addition, this can also develops
positive relationship and mutual understanding in all employees as they can work properly as
well as cordially. There are diverse types of learning styles which removes obstacles at
workplace, such are stated as below: - Visual learners – it includes those kind of persons who can easily recognise things with
only visual views. Such learners mostly uses images, maps, graphics etc. to access new
information or any messages. Aural learners – These people preferably using sound or music in order to understanding
information (Lumpe and et. al., 2012). In Travelodge, aural learners are able to resolve
barriers by listening them only.
 Verbal learners – While solution for any problem, such learners prefer to use words in
writing as well as speaking. But this style take too much time before making any
conclusion.
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4.3 How to use time management strategies
In hotel industries, time management helps in completing any task or project oa a given
time period. With the help of life long learning, employees can develop their time managing
abilities, this makes them more punctual and goal oriented. In Travelodge, managers also prefers
to follow time management policy so that company can accomplish its goals and objectives in a
certain time period. There are discuss some ways for effective and efficient time management,
such as stated as under: -
 Managers have to divide all roles and responsibilities among their employees, delegation
of authorities on different levels forces them to work in proper manners and a given time
schedule. Apart from this, employers must set a schedule for each and every activity
which is included in project management.
 They needs to emphasis on clarity, thoroughness and accuracy in communication process.
A managers only dictate his messages to workers on time then they start their work to the
same (Jaipal and Figg, 2011).
 In order to manage work effectively, team leader have to set their own goals and targets.
Setting aims can force to the person of same mentality and inspire them together.
TASK 2
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against professional standards
There is given following self assessment table which helps me identifies the areas where
is need to put more effort within a time frame: -
PROFICIENT
SKILLS
CURRENT SKILLS
5 = STRONG
1 = POOR
BEST EXAMPLE HOW TO IMPROVE
THEM
Leadership skills 3 Administration skills
plays a crucial role in
order to perform
effectively at
workplace. Right now,
my leadership skills
are not so good due to
In order to improve
this ability, I need to
attend some seminars
or conferences, and be
a part of group
meeting with other
professionals. This
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lack of work
experience. Therefore,
I have to work on my
this skills by taking
new challenges and
make solutions to
resolve them.
interaction support me
to be a good leader in
future.
Communication skills 2 This skills is very
essential to an
individual if or he or
she wants to achieve
growth and success in
life long period.
To diminish my this
issue, I should have to
join English speaking
classes. Apart from it,
I also have to interact
with a group of people
and listen their talking
way. Therefore, I can
easily present myself
and my views in front
of others.
CV creation
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: ABC
Address: W/108, Baker Street, London.
Career objective – An accomplish and driven professional with an entrepreneurial spirit. To be
for an establish organisation which can gives me opportunities to explore my knowledge and
skills.
Educational qualification -
 Masters in Business Administration ( Human resource and Finance). Bachelor of commerce (B. Com).
Experience -
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 2 years experience as a assistant HR manager in BBC Ltd. 5 Years of experience as Senior human resource manager in PAC Ltd.
Personal skills -
 Good communication skills
 Ability to manage a group of employees effectively.
 Proactive and self motivated. Ability to prepare and present reports to directors level.
Declaration – I hereby, that all above mentioned information is true.
Thanks and Regards
2.2 Identification of own development needs and activities
STRENGTH WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
 It is an
important
aspect in order
to gain better
outcomes.
 My strength is
good listening
abilities, as I
am good
listener.
 I can easily fits
in any kind of
environment,
due to my
flexible and
friendly nature,
it helps me to
deal with
 My
communication
skills are not so
good, with that
I feel hesitate
and shy while
talking with
strangers.
 My emotional
nature is
another barrier
which
influence me at
workplace.
 As I have
started to work
more on my
leadership
skills, this will
give me a
opportunity to
be a good
leader in
future.
 Currently, I
works with a
repudiate
business
organisation,
which can
gives a lot of
chances to
 Family
problems.
 Technical
advancement.
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people in an
adequate
manner.
grow in my
career.
2.3 Identify current and future development needs
In order to gain higher competitive advantage, it is necessary for me to start searching for
better opportunities. For that, I have to determine my current and future needs this will help me
to achieve my own goals and objectives in a certain time period. Current needs – At present, I need to give importance to my skills. To improve them in
an effective manner, I have to develop some strategies and follow them properly. My
current needs are upgrading my knowledge about world, improving communication and
leadership skill. In addition, to achieve better outcomes I have to identify the gap
between actual and required skills. Apart from this, in context of business entities,
managers needs to determine those competencies which are required in a particular job
and provide training assistance to employees accordingly. With that, managers can easily
find out any deviation in their department, this could help in fulfilling tasks effectively
and efficiently (Eros, 2011).
 Future needs – An individuals future needs are the main goal which he or she want to
achieve in their life long period. But we have to work appropriately in order to gain better
results. My career goal is to be a leader of my department at workplace. Therefore, I have
to make some strong strategies and linked them to my career aims. It must be able to
compete with external environment because it is uncertain and unpredictable. In terms of
a company, such plans would be flexible and provide maximum level of satisfactions to
managers as they can easily get higher level of efficiency.
2.4 Develop a personal and professional development plan
LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
CURRENT
PROFICIENCY
TARGET OPPORTUNITIES TO
IMPROVE
TIME SCALE
Leadership skills 3 5 In order to provide guidance
and directions to all my
3.5 months.
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subordinates. In addition,
strong communication skills
helps me as I can easily
understand their view points
and thoughts. Although, I
also can appropriately
express my ideas in front of
higher authorities at
workplace. Effective
communication skills open a
door of success for me, i.e.
it will aids me to expel
wavering which I feel
sometimes to communicate
with others.
Leadership skills 3 5 For improving my
leadership skills I will have
to work more and more
upon my leadership skills. I
will capable to improve my
this skill, then I be a good
leader of my own
department. With this, I can
manage my team efficiently
and force them to work for a
particular goal or objective.
2 months
3.1 Process and activities to implement of PPD plan
Activities which include in PPD plan, are stated as described below: -
 While implementing PPD plan, business managers need to determine the main purpose
for which they are developing this plan. This would help them in generating awareness
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about current standards and future potential of the firm. In this, managers needs to link
their goals with organisational needs.
 The second step is identification of learning opportunities and formulate the action plan.
In that, manager are chosen various learning methods through which they will provide
training to their employees. In addition, managers of Travelodge, have to include
SMART objectives in their personal and professional development plan.
 Afterwards, employers have to undertake the development in order to put the plan into
action. For that, they have to adopt some specific strategies and policies (Ebert-May and
et. al., 2011).
 At last, the plan is evaluated whether it is able to fit in business organisation or not. After
evaluation, PPD plan is implemented within workplace for gaining better results.
3.2 Document development activities
In Tarvelodge, business managers are planned their various activities for implementing
personal and professional development at workplace. Ways of undertaking these activities are
defined as under: - Organising study group – It is essential for intermediaries to to studied each aspect of
project precisely. Due to unpredictable external environment managers have to focuses
on continuously improving their strategies and policies. Although, they can organise
some study groups where all team members and subordinates can easily interact with
each other and make relevant solution for personal growth and development of
employees (Gallagher and et. al., 2011). Effective learning helps me to achieve my career
goals and objectives by increasing my knowledge in different fields.
 Monitoring and supervising – Regular monitoring and supervising of each activity of
project helps managers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. With this references,
company can effectively take necessary actions and make conclusions for the same to
counter it.
3.3 Reflect on own learning aims and outcomes
Own learning processes helps me to improving my current skills and competences. At the
time of learning, I was focused on initial meeting and preparation which is very essential for
project management. Apart from this, l have learned how to deal with people in effective
manner. I was attended skills improving session, where I saw managers were really supportive.
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An individual has its own goals and for that he or she continuously practice to achieve them in a
certain time period.
Self managed learning give me opportunities to grow and develop myself as I can
effectively lead a team or a group of members. It also improves my communication skills
although I am capable to make cordial relationship with other people of my company.
3.4 Development plan that is based on evaluation and feedback
There are given a development plan, that is based upon evaluation and feedback of higher
authorities. During these learning session my managers were very supportive for me, as they
allowed me to be part of their group meetings and debates. Therefore, now I can improve my this
these skills. They also provide me timely feedback and reviews by analyse my performance and
giving appropriate guidances for it.
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
CURRENT
PROFICIENCY
TAREGT OPPORTUNITIES
TO IMPROVE
TIME
SCALE
Communication
skills
Cleared Achieve growth
and enhancement
in this skills.
Many are opened for
an individual by
giving him or her
advance
improvements.
Nil.
Leadership skills
Cleared Attain all growth
opportunities in
this field by
becoming a good
leader.
Leaders are the
important part of a
company, they are
hired upon high pay
scale.
Nil.
CONCLUSION
From the above mentioned report, it has been referred that, personal and professional
plan plays a vital role in growth and development of individuals. The report has described that
various methods and techniques of self managed learning and how it impact upon behaviour of
employees of the company. A personal and professional development plan is created in order to
identify current skills and competencies of people in effective manner. The plan also provide
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guidance that how to improve such skills in a given time period. Apart from this, the report also
refers that effective time management strategies are useful in attaining goals and objectives of
Travelodge in a minimum time period. There are described diverse solutions which are helpful in
reducing work based problems.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Avalos, B., 2011. Teacher professional development in teaching and teacher education over ten
years. Teaching and teacher education. 27(1). pp.10-20.
Bourner, T., 2011. Developing self-managed action learning (SMAL). Action Learning:
Research and Practice. 8(2). pp.117-127.
Brody, D. L. and Hadar, L. L., 2015. Personal professional trajectories of novice and
experienced teacher educators in a professional development community. Teacher
Development. 19(2). pp.246-266.
Ebert-May, D. and et. al., 2011. What we say is not what we do: effective evaluation of faculty
professional development programs. BioScience. 61(7). pp.550-558.
Eros, J., 2011. The career cycle and the second stage of teaching: Implications for policy and
professional development. Arts Education Policy Review. 112(2). pp.65-70.
Gallagher, T. and et. al., 2011. Establishing and sustaining teacher educator professional
development in a self-study community of practice: Pre-tenure teacher educators
developing professionally. Teaching and Teacher Education. 27(5). pp.880-890.
Gamrat, C. and et. al., 2014. Personalized workplace learning: An exploratory study on digital
badging within a teacher professional development program. British Journal of
Educational Technology. 45(6). pp.1136-1148.
Glogowska, M. and et. al., 2011. How ‘blended’is blended learning?: Students' perceptions of
issues around the integration of online and face-to-face learning in a continuing
professional development (CPD) health care context. Nurse education today. 31(8).
pp.887-891.
Huber, S. G., 2011. Leadership for learning–Learning for leadership: The impact of professional
development. In International handbook of leadership for learning. (pp. 635-652).
Springer Netherlands.
Jaipal, K. and Figg, C., 2011. Collaborative action research approaches promoting professional
development for elementary school teachers. Educational action research. 19(1). pp.59-
72.
Kumari, N., 2011. Personal therapy as a mandatory requirement for counselling psychologists in
training: A qualitative study of the impact of therapy on trainees’ personal and
professional development. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. 24(3). pp.211-232.
Lumpe, A. and et. al., 2012. Beliefs about teaching science: The relationship between
elementary teachers’ participation in professional development and student
achievement. International Journal of Science Education. 34(2). pp.153-166.
Olsen, B., 2015. Teaching what they learn, learning what they live: How teachers' personal
histories shape their professional development. Routledge.
Rienties, B., Brouwer, N. and Lygo-Baker, S., 2013. The effects of online professional
development on higher education teachers' beliefs and intentions towards learning
facilitation and technology. Teaching and teacher education. 29. pp.122-131.
Roeser, R. W. and et. al., 2012. Mindfulness training and teachers' professional development: An
emerging area of research and practice. Child Development Perspectives. 6(2). pp.167-
173.
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Williams, R. and et. al., 2011. Emergent learning and learning ecologies in Web 2.0. The
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning. 12(3). pp.39-59.
Online
Importance of self directed learning, 2013. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.helpteaching.com/blog/the-importance-of-self-directed-learning.html>.
[Accessed on 6th September, 2017].
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