This document discusses continuous professional development (CPD) for academics. It notes that CPD does not need to be formal and can include informal, practice-based activities. The document outlines different types of CPD such as reactive, self-driven, and proactive CPD. It also discusses challenges of CPD including time, workload, and rapid changes. The document proposes a flexible CPD model called FLEX that allows academics to choose various CPD activities and receive credits that can contribute to professional recognition from the Higher Education Academy. Academics document their selected CPD activities and reflections in an academic portfolio.

1. practice-based CPD for growth
Chrissi Nerantzi
Academic Developer
Manchester
Metropolitan
University
@chrissinerantzi

2. Formal CPD?
• Conception that only formal CPD is proper CPD?
(mentioned in: King, 2004; Crawford, 2009)
• non-formal, practice-based activities also CPD >
the “invisible curriculum” (Blackmore & Castley,
2006)
• after PgCert no engagement in CPD (TESEP, 2007)
> no formal engagement perhaps?

3. CPD when?
• reactive (Roscoe, 2002)
• self-driven (King, 2004)
• pro-active (Crawford, 2009)
• the need for ongoing (King, 2004; Mainka,
2007; Browne Report (2010); UK Quality Code,
2012)

4. MMU Strategy for Learning, Teaching
and Assessment
• Principle 1: We will provide an excellent learning
environment and outstanding student experience
• Principle 2: MMU provides an innovative, flexible,
enterprising and internationalised curriculum
• Principle 3: Assessment at MMU is an integrated and
integral part of learning and teaching
• Principle 4: Student progression, confidence and success
will be achieved through outstanding personalised and
individual support
• Principle 5: Programmes are responsive to quality
enhancement procedures throughout the student lifecycle
• Principle 6: Staff are lifelong learners, fully engaged with
their own professional development
http://www.celt.mmu.ac.uk/ltastrategy/index.php

5. Challengestime, workload
rapid changes
less with more and better
just-in-time, on-the job CPD needed
Work
smart!

6. •What is it?
•Why is it good for me?
•How do I engage?
•What do I get for it?
Overview

7. FLEX options 15/30 credits
FLEX [PSF:
AFHEA, FHEA]
FLEX [PSF:
AFHEA, FHEA]
FLEX [THEME]FLEX [THEME]
FLEX
[Creativity,
FOS, named
themes]
FLEX
[Creativity,
FOS, named
themes]
FLEXFLEX

8. Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
• Critically reflect on their engagement with CPD (focuses on
the nature of the learning environment and culture within
their specific discipline)
• Produce a critical narrative, which demonstrates the impact
of their engagement with FLEX [brackets] on their practice
and the student experience
EXAMPLE
Note: FLEX [brackets]: This iteration of FLEX has a focus on
Creativity for Learning. This will be displayed on the transcript
within the brackets > FLEX [Creativity for Learning]

9. indicative open pool of CPD opportunities
linked to learning & teaching
planning a session flexible learning formative
assessment
supporting
students in the
classroom
supporting
students outside
the classroom
using stories
large group
teaching
collaborative
learning
summative
assessment
tutorials developing digital
literacies
using LEGO(R)
Serious(R) Play
small group
teaching
creating learning
communities
assessment as
learning
dialogic feedback inclusive learning
and teaching
using audio to
develop reflection
flipped classroom social media for
learning
portfolios for
learning
using the Socratic
dialogue
game-based
learning
using video in the
classroom
supporting
students
using the VLE
creatively
inclusive
assessment
group assessment problem-based
learning
work-based
learning
blended learning using smart
devices for
learning and
teaching
peer assessment self-assessment project-based
learning
learning through
making

10. indicative types of FLEX activities
observation of
teaching/
microteach session
presenting at a L& T
conference/event
participating in a
webinar
participating in an
open course
carry out evaluation
of teaching activity
participating in an
internal workshop
attending a
conference/event
leading a webinar leading an open
course
co-facilitating an open
course
co-facilitating
workshop
pedagogical research participating in an
external workshop
using self-study
resources
networking
mentoring coaching creating resources for
students
professional
discussion with
colleagues
(funded) project
participating in a
project
leading a pedagogical
project
participating in a
short course
leading a short course creating resources for
staff development
curriculum
development activity
curriculum
enhancement activity
reflection on practice team-teaching evaluating a student
survey
discipline specific
pedagogic activity
generic pedagogic
research
peer review listening event creating/adapting
open educational
resources
reading a L&T article,
paper/book
discussion with a
colleague around L&T
external examining validation panel visit, trip, exhibition

11. Participate/Lead a workshop at a conference

12. Participate/Lead a webinar

13. Participate in a workshop, informal course

14. Join a community

15. Participate in a tweetchat, lead one or join the organising team

16. Participate informally in another module

17. FLEX 15 FLEX 30
FLEX 1 FLEX 1
FLEX 2 FLEX 2
FLEX 3 FLEX 3
FLEX 4
FLEX 5
3 x 850
words or
equivalent
5 x 1000 words
or equivalent
FLEX 1
Trigger
Link to own practice
Analysis of the
situation
underpinned by
relevant literature
Action plan
Specific, based on an
informed rationale
and anticipate
outcomes for
students
Assessment Task (100% - Full and final element of Assessment – 2500/5000 words or
equivalent)
Students are required to demonstrate the learning from 3/5 FLEX CPD activities linked to
their teaching practice/supporting students and the impact this learning has had on their
practice and the student experience.

18. • practice-based academic CPD for teaching tailored to
priorities and aspirations
• activities linked to current/past CPD, subject-specific or
more generic
• pick ‘n’ mix academic CPD activities per academic year
• capture CPD in academic portfolio
What is it?

19. What can I get for it?
Successful engagement in FLEX can
• help you gain 15 or 30 academic credits at Postgraduate level towards the
PgCert in LTHE/HE or the MA in HE
• Work towards an HEA professional recognition (AFHEA or FHEA) and gain 15 or
30 credits of the above mentioned programmes
• evidence CPD for PDR purposes

20. FLEX 15/30[PSF] (see FLEX [PSF]
Handbook)
Co-accredited by the HEA to also award HEA
Fellowships:
• FLEX15 [PSF] – Associate Fellow of the HEA
• FLEX30 [PSF] – Fellow of the HEA
Activities used as sections of the portfolio are
chosen to align with the UKPSF (2011) :
Descriptors for D1 & D2 and dimensions of
practice

21. The UK PSF
21
Areas of Activity (WHAT)
• Design and plan
• Teach/support
• Assess/give feedback
• Develop effective
learning environments
and approaches to
student
support/guidance
• Engage in CPD
incorporating research,
scholarship and
evaluation of
professional practices
Core Knowledge (HOW)
• Subject
• Appropriate methods of
teaching and learning
• How students learn
• Use and value
appropriate learning
technologies
• Methods for evaluating
effectiveness of
teaching
• Quality assurance and
quality enhancement
Professional Values
(WHY)
• Respect individual
learners and learning
communities
• Promote participation
and equality of
opportunities
• Use evidence-informed
approaches and the
outcomes from
research, scholarship
and CPD
• Acknowledge the wider
context in which HE
operates recognising
implications for
professional practice
https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/ukpsf MMU PSF at
http://www.celt.mmu.ac.uk/psf/index.php

22. Requirements of FLEX [PSF]
FLEX15
• 3 Sections aligned with 3 Areas of Activity
– Must incorporate AA5:CPD –this section must include reference to
engagement with peer observation and dialogue with your FLEX mentor
– Must clearly reference CK1 (Subject knowledge) & 2 (Subject specific teaching
and learning theory)
– Incorporate a mapping tool to demonstrate engagement with appropriate
dimensions
FLEX30
• 5 Sections aligned with 5 Areas of Activity
– Within AA5:CPD –this section must include reference to engagement with
peer observation and dialogue with your FLEX mentor
– Must integrate engagement with all dimensions of practice
– Incorporate a mapping tool to demonstrate engagement with all dimensions

23. Academic portfolio
• develop reflective skills and habits
• a personal and collaborative development space for teaching and research activities
• evidence academic CPD that is recognised as such
image by Nate Steiner, source https://www.flickr.com/photos/nate/412783683/sizes/z/
Go
digital!

24. How? Reflective Cycle (Gibbs, 1988)
24
1. Description
What
happened?
2. Feelings
What were you
thinking and
feeling?
3. Evaluation
What was good
and bad about
the
experience?
4. Analysis
What sense
can you make
of the
situation?
5. Conclusion
What else
could you have
done?
6. Action plan
If it arose
again, what
would you do?
own perspective
link to
theory
colleagues
students
Brookfield Critical Lenses
describing
feeling
analysing
reasoning
stepping back
being self-critical
exploring options
linking to action
“... the process by which we research the assumptions
informing our own practice by viewing these through four
complementary lenses – the lenses of our students’ eyes,
colleagues’ perceptions, literature and our own
autobiography. [...] Finally, we can review our personal
autobiographies as learners so that we can make visceral
connections to, and gain a better understanding of, the
pleasures and terrors our own students are experiencing.”
(Brookfield, 2006, 26)
A reflective model might be useful!

25. FLEX activity
open pool of CPD opportunities
academic portfolio brief
description
of FLEX
activity
critical
reflection
and
development
points
value/impact
on practice
& evidence
FLEX unit (15/30 credits at Level 7)unit assessment (UK PSF, SLTA)
CPD requirements (UK PSF, SLTA)

26. Example portfolios…
Colleagues Units completed
Dr Marilena Antoniadou Generic FLEX
http://marilenaantoniadou.blogspot.co.uk/
Olivia Glasser Generic FLEX and Creativity unit
https://cpdoliviaglasser.wordpress.com/
Marcin Wozniak Generic FLEX and Creativity unit
https://cpdmarcinwozniak.wordpress.com/
Matthew Crossley FLEX 15 [Creativity for Learning]
https://cpdmatthewcrossley.wordpress.com/
Daniel Orwin FLEX 30 [Creativity for Learning]
https://danielorwin.wordpress.com/

27. Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
• Critically reflect on their engagement with CPD (focuses on
the nature of the learning environment and culture within
their specific discipline)
• Produce a critical narrative, which demonstrates the impact
of their engagement with FLEX [brackets] on their practice
and the student experience
Note: FLEX [brackets]: This iteration of FLEX has a focus on
Creativity for Learning. This will be displayed on the transcript
within the brackets > FLEX [Creativity for Learning]

28. FLEX 15 FLEX 30
FLEX 1 FLEX 1
FLEX 2 FLEX 2
FLEX 3 FLEX 3
FLEX 4
FLEX 5
3 x 850
words or
equivalent
5 x 1000 words
or equivalent
FLEX 1
Trigger
Link to own practice
Analysis of the
situation
underpinned by
relevant literature
Action plan
Specific, based on an
informed rationale
and anticipate
outcomes for
students
Assessment Task (100% - Full and final element of Assessment – 2500/5000
words or equivalent)
Students are required to demonstrate the learning from 3/5 FLEX CPD
activities linked to Creativity for Learning and the impact this learning has
had on their practice and the student experience.

29. Academic CPD
Professional Recognition HEA
(AFHEA, FHEA), Good Standing
FLEX developmental CPD programme
Academic qualifications
(PgCert, MA in HE)
Informal CPD
FLEX 15 (D1) FLEX 30 (D2) Formal route
Informal route

30. FLEXFLEX
Academic
Portfolio
(Teaching &
Research)
Academic
Portfolio
(Teaching &
Research)
DevelopmentDevelopment
CPD
Requirements
CPD
Requirements
QualificationsQualificationsBadgesBadges
PromotionPromotion
Professional
Recognition
Professional
Recognition

31. Teaching &
Learning
Conversations,
monthly webinars
Learning and
Teaching in
Higher
Education,
weekly
tweetchats,
every
Wednesday
8-9pm
Creativity for Learning in HE,
MMU unit and open course,
ongoing engagement
Bring your own device for learning, 5-day open
learning event
Also
available:
• open
Assessment
course
• Open
Programme
Leadership
course
http://www.celt.mmu.ac.uk/flex
Workshop
series
Flexible, Open and Social
Learning, open course
OER with creative teaching
ideas, use and contribute

32. 32

33. The wheel of teaching
Where are you now? Date:
33

34. References
Browne Report (2010) Securing a sustainable future for higher education, Department for Employment
and Learning, available at http://www.delni.gov.uk/index/publications/pubs-higher-education/browne-
report-student-fees.htm
Crawford, K. (2009) Continuing Professional Development in Higher Education: Voices from Below, EdD
thesis, University of Lincoln, available at http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/2146/1/Crawford-
Ed%28D%29Thesis-CPDinHE-FINAL%28Sept09%29.pdf
King, H. (2004) Continuing Professional Development in Higher Education: what do academics do?, in:
Educational Developments, Issue 5.4, Dec. 2004, pp. 1-5, available at
http://www.seda.ac.uk/resources/files/publications_25_Educational%20Dev%205.4.pdf
Mainka, C. (2007) Putting Staff first in Staff Development for Effective Use of Technology in Teaching, in:
British Journal of Educational Technology, Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 158-160.
Roscoe, J. (2002) ‘Continuing Professional Development in Higher Education’ Human Resource
Development International 5(1), pp. 3-9.
The UK Quality Code for Higher Eduction (2012) Glouchester: Quality Assurance Agency, available at
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/quality-code-brief-guide.aspx

35. All FLEX resources, access to and participation in open courses are free to
all colleagues working at collaborative partner institutions.
If your institution is interested in gaining academic credits for FLEX, as
part of the PgCert or the MA in Higher Education or as a stand-alone CPD
unit, please get in touch with CELT to discuss your specific needs. MMU
and your institution would have to come to a separate agreement
regarding this.
Please contact Chrissi Nerantzi at c.nerantzi@mmu.ac.uk
For Collaborative Partners

36. This workshop/course counts towards FLEX, which is a personalised and practice-based CPD
programme with formal and informal pathways and enables you to get recognition via the FLEX award
for your CPD activities, work towards up to 30 credits of the PgCert/MA in Higher Education and help
in preparation for an application for professional recognition with the HEA.
FLEX activities need to have a focus on learning and teaching. To find out more about FLEX and how
to submit your claim, please visit FLEX at http://www.celt.mmu.ac.uk/flex/ or on Twitter using the
hashtag #flexcpd
FLEX co-ordinators: Chrissi Nerantzi at c.nerantzi@mmu.ac.uk & Mike Lowe at m.lowe@mmu.ac.uk
FLEX, practice-based CPD