Involves interactive and participation-based study. It is typically proactive and can include attending a training course, conference, workshop, seminar, lecture, e-learning course or CPD certified event. CPD active learning also applies when professionals take career orientated exams and assessments (the study and revision would be considered self-directed learning, see Self-Directed Learning).
Involves no participant-based interaction, so this form of CPD is much more passive and one directional. Examples of this include reading relevant news articles, podcasts & case studies and industry updates. Some informal meetings can be applicable to CPD reflective learning, but the learning objectives of these meetings must be made clear in an individual’s overall CPD plan.
Involves all unaccompanied CPD activities. It covers the reading of documents, articles and publications; either in print or online. Reading relevant publications, books by leading experts, industry journals and trade magazines are all types of self-directed CPD. You could also include industry-specific news feeds or research into relevant fields.
The availability of more flexible CPD suited for teachers and educators has increased significantly in recent years, with the introduction of online learning, short courses and half-day workshops, as well as distance learning and educational exhibitions.