Examples of responses when learners considered prior experience, and focused
on: a. Identifying learning .... Letters from the corporate client. .... Tube changes.
Making your Learning Count Examples identifying where prior learning has taken place Examples of responses when learners considered prior experience, and focused on: a. b. c.
Identifying learning through undertaking a job Identifying learning gained through undertaking a specific project/initiative Identifying learning gained through dealing with a specific incident or situation – such as dealing with a difficult client/colleague, an accident, an emergency, a teaching session, a challenging meeting
A.
Identifying Learning through Undertaking a Job
A.1
Learning and achievements through my job as a project manager
1.
Responsibilities, and what I have to do: I have total responsibility for the management of specific projects, as well as technical control, relating to integration of automated systems. My responsibilities include negotiation and communication with the prospective client; drawing up of the project plan; costings; forecasting; cost control - including control of variations and management of variations; managing the performance of the team - allocating work, agreeing work plans; ensuring technical solutions meet requirements; monitoring of the project - including financial monitoring of income and expenditure. I must know about contractual law as well as any regulatory requirements. If there is a dispute, then I must know - and follow - the correct legal procedures.
2.
Achievements include For myself Survival - having taken on the job with no formal training, and thrown in the deep end. For my organisation I retained a disgruntled customer who initially was going to go elsewhere, but now is looking to use the company for another project.
3.
Three things I need to know, how I gained this knowledge, and how I could prove I have this knowledge. (Each area is quite large and I can break down into smaller parts if needed at a later stage.) Three things I needed to know. 1. Contracts and contract law: types and conditions of contracts, procurement methods and procedures, legal framework and statutory requirements applicable to contracting; methods of dealing with a legal challenge.
How I gained the knowledge, and proof. I gained my knowledge through mentoring by the Managing Director - sitting down and talking through requirements, and how specific incidents could be dealt with. I read up on the subject a great deal. Proof likely to be confirmation from the MD - and possibly copies of e-mails as long as confidential information removed.
2. Financial forecasting
3. Team management: particularly a team of engineers with diverse views who came together as a team for the delivery of a specific project and then disperse again.
4.
Gained through actually doing it and getting feedback from experienced project managers; talking with peers; looking at examples - both those which are known to be good and those not so good and then comparing them. Proof could include copies of actual forecasts - these could be seen by an assessor, but not left with them as confidential. Knowledge gained through thinking about how I have handled issues - what went well and what could be better; experience gained through voluntary work; attendance on a regional Business Links course. Proof of this knowledge could be written, or verbal, confirmation from team members, and possibly a case study.
Three things I need be able to do, how I gained these skills, and how I could prove I have used them effectively Three things I needed to be able to do Negotiation skills: particularly with prospective, and current, customers
Team building and team leadership skills: with challenging team of engineers whose creativity had to be encouraged, as well as their cooperation with colleagues. They also had to meet strict deadlines as success was measured by results
Handling a difficult situation as line manager
How I gained these skills, and proof Gained by observing line manager, then leading a negotiation and being given feedback from my line manager who observed. Learnt about the value of silence at appropriate times. Proof could be a confirmation from my line manager My skills were gained by observation, attendance on courses, own experience and putting into practice the skills gained in a variety of situations. There was then the 'learning from own experience' system: thinking about how a situation went and how it could have been improved. Proof could be given by the team members either in questionnaire or written endorsement. Success also measured by whether the team still wants to work with me again at the end of the project. A vital member of the team was on a collision course with directors of the company and threatening to leave. In the end it became a win-win situation on all sides. Skills were gained in similar way to team management knowledge, and team building skills. Proof could be anonymised case study and endorsement from a Director
Note: I went onto web and found the National Occupational Standards for Project Management. In addition to identifying exactly what I should be doing, it also gave me a useful checklist of skills and knowledge I had and the gaps.
A.2 1.
Learning and achievements through my job as a self employed artist (sculptor) Notes from brief discussion with friend about what I need to know, be able to do, and have achieved in my job. Achievements include: Self taught - no formal 'art' qualifications. Completed over 200 sculptures. Sold approx 80% of work to private individuals and corporate clients. Held over 15 exhibitions - on individual basis and part of a group. Examples of work included in books, in local papers, and national Sunday paper. etc.
2.
What I need to know, and be able to do, includes:
3.
Design, and taking through to completion of design. Sculpturing knowledge and skills - carving and construction, mainly in wood. Science - particularly in area of wood, finishes, environmental issues. Drawing. Photography. Health and safety - e.g. issues relating to oak, welding, casting, finishes. Accounting. Raising finance: dealing with banks, sponsors. Undertaking commissions: design, costings, submission, negotiation, doing, completing. Project management - particularly when a large commission. Organising exhibitions, and previews. Marketing. Dealing with people: clients, sponsors, galleries. Managing own time. Communication: written, oral, graphic - for many different types of people/audiences. Networking. Interpersonal skills. Etc.
Focusing on one of above: Undertaking a specific commission for a corporate body - (large outdoor sculpture in public space) Three things I needed to know. Presentation of submission - e.g. design, costings, timescales, etc.
What would be the most appropriate wood for an outside piece of sculpture?
An appropriate final finish for the sculpture so it would last a long time outside.
How I gained the knowledge. Information from the sponsoring company. From other examples. Thinking about it - analysing what would be wanted in a submission if I were in the client's position. Reviewing/thinking about past experiences of working in wood (over 200 sculptures in wood). Books. Visiting sculpture parks. Discussions with a wood company. As above, particularly from books.
Three specific skills I needed. How to negotiate - on telephone, and face to face - to gain a lucrative contract. This included negotiating with all levels within an organisation, including with the Chief Executive. How to present a design and costings for a public competition for a commission for a sculpture for a corporate client.
How to use a new piece of cutting equipment.
How I gained these skills. Drew on past experience gained as public relations officer. Trial and error - feedback from people.
Three specific skills I needed. How to negotiate - on telephone, and face to face - to gain a lucrative contract. This included negotiating with all levels within an organisation, including with the Chief Executive. How to present a design and costings for a public competition for a commission for a sculpture for a corporate client.
How to use a new piece of cutting equipment.
How I gained these skills. Drew on past experience gained as public relations officer. Trial and error - feedback from people.
4.
From my experience as a graphic designer, and photographer. From seeing submissions from others. Information brief from the corporate client. Feedback from acquaintances. From the equipment manual. Advice from the specialist retailers. Practice on 'spare' wood before working on the expensive material. Books.
From my experience as a graphic designer, and photographer. From seeing submissions from others. Information brief from the corporate client. Feedback from acquaintances. From the equipment manual. Advice from the specialist retailers. Practice on 'spare' wood before working on the expensive material. Books.
If someone asked me to prove the above, how would I do this? Write/talk about the stages. Copy of the submission. Letters from the corporate client. Photographs of the sculpture, and article in local paper. Feedback from people.
B.
Identifying Learning gained through undertaking a specific project or initiative – some examples
B.1
Learning and achievements through producing a monthly newsletter
1.
Overview I was approached to take over the production of the next monthly newsletter for my company. I was assured there would be no problems as the previous person who had responsibility had left quite a lot of detail – however, I was to discover not quite as much detail as I thought.
2.
My responsibilities I was expected to: Liaise with the printers. Liaise with people who were contributing articles. Produce the layout of the newsletter for the printers.
3.
Major things achieved For me I realised that I could produce a newsletter, on time, and looking good. In addition to the additional skills and knowledge, I also gained a great deal of confidence during the process. For the organisation The newsletter was produced, and there was good feedback.
4.
Three things I had to know and how I gained the knowledge: 1. Costing information which impacted on the price of the final product: e.g. advert/page size, colour, page positioning, artwork, and 2. Process of producing a newsletter, and the deadlines which apply within publishing. This was gained through: looking at the file kept by the previous person who had produced the newsletter and in discussions with the printers. 3. Principles relating to layout. This was gained through: I went on an external course relating to desktop publishing, and this included knowledge of layout as well as the skills.
5.
Three things I had to be able to do and how I gained the skills: 1. Time management so that I met all the relevant deadlines. This was gained through: developing a project plan with relevant deadlines, and also a 'to do' list on a daily basis. I was sent a useful project plan format from a colleague, who then met with me to give guidance on how to use the programme. 2. Negotiation skills to deal with the printers relating to costings, layout, deadlines; with colleagues and external people who were producing material for the content of the magazine. This was gained through observation of my line manager who came with me on the first visit to an external person; 'practice' as I was then on my own and had to meet targets and deadlines. I did ask for feedback from a member of staff at the printing company and this was helpful for the future. 3. Using Desktop publishing packages. This was gained through: going on an external course to gain this skill, and then put it into practice - gaining feedback from my line manager.
6.
Proof/evidence This could include: Finished newsletter, with confirmation from line manager on my role and responsibility.
Copy of the project plan, and one page of my daily diary. E-mail relating to agreement on costings and deadlines.
B.2
Learning and achievements through organising a community day
Overview of project Church decided to organise a family fun day for the community. Parish Council agreed to fund the day, and provide the venue. Responsibilities I had Health and Safety. Management of site. Liaison with subcontractors e.g. companies running the bouncy castles, and other 'funfair' events. Marketing the event. Managing finances. Managing/co-ordinating the project steering group. Achievements included: For self Enjoyment by those attending. Came in on budget. No accidents or incidents on day. Subcontractors felt they had been ethically treated. For church Positive profile within community. For village Enjoyment for all ages. Three things I knew by the end of the project, and how I managed to get the knowledge 1. Health and safety 2. How to liaise with subcontractors, and basic contractual information Gained knowledge in these areas by talking with people who had run community events; read material - including guidance from the local authority; went on a course relating to health and safety- with helpful advice on risk assessment; discussion with member of steering group who had experience of contract law; going to the web. 3. Marketing a community event. Gained through looking at other people's work; meeting with a colleague who is a marketing specialist; drafting material and then asking for comments from the steering group; going to the web. Three things I need be able to do, and where/how I got these skills 1. Managing finance I had experience in my job as I had to manage my department's budget. Additional support came from a member of the steering group who was an accountant who gave me feedback.
2. Communication skills These included presentation skills to different audiences, as well as appropriate written correspondence with involved people in the community, subcontractors, and the press. Already had some experience gained through work, and through other community projects, but needed to develop presentation skills in particular. I went on a short course. Observed others and identified what worked, and what did not. 3. Risk assessment Following the gain in knowledge about how to do a risk assessment review relating to safety, I then went on to undertake a risk assessment using the appropriate tools. The first risk assessment was done prior to the event - identifying potential hazards, who may be at risk, evaluating the risks, identifying action to be taken. After the subcontractors had set up, then a further review was done to ensure that health and safety was met, and all risks to the public were minimised. Information on how to undertake a risk assessment gained from a course, from the parish council, as well as from the web. I, together with a member of the steering group, then did the reviews - completing the appropriate forms. How could I prove I have this knowledge, and these skills? Feedback/confirmation on specific aspects from different people: steering group, sub
contractors, and village representatives. Copies of letters, e-mails, posters, finance papers. Details of presentation to parish council. Narrative explaining why I took certain decisions. Photographs of the event. Completed risk assessment forms.
B.3
Learning and achievements through reviewing tracheotomy procedures
Description of event Mr Jones [pseudonym used to maintain confidentiality in accordance with clause 5 code of professional conduct (NMC, 2002)] had a respiratory arrest due to obstructed tracheotomy tube. Cardiac arrest call put out, patient successfully resuscitated - readmitted to HDU for post arrest care. Analysis Single lumen tube. No replacement available in patient's bed space. Blockage caused by secretions - tenacious. No record of suctioning to tracheotomy since 09.00 with physiotherapy respiratory arrest at 14.50 hours. Potentially preventable situation. Action plan 1. Review tracheotomy training in practice. 2. Review protocols for care. 3. Set up working party. 4. Cost training programme and present to management. 5. Implement training programme. 6. Regular audit of tracheotomy care practice throughout Trust.
My involvement Participated as part of the working party. Developed protocols for tracheotomy care as follows: Dressings Suction Bedside equipment Cuff pressure checking Tube changes Types of tubes patients to be discharged to the wards with Developed practice competencies for tracheotomy care. Costed training programme and presented to Directorate Lead Clinician and Director of Nursing. Delivered training programme to the multidisciplinary team. Identified learning Project management using a multidisciplinary team approach. Training needs analysis. Critical evaluation of the evidence base. Practice development in light of Clinical Governance, Critical Care Modernisation Agenda. Skills of risk analysis, clinical audit. Developed my own knowledge and understanding of anatomy & physiology, evidence based practice, critically evaluating the evidence. Improved the care received by clients with tracheotomies’ and developed an information pack for clients and their families. Evidence Product evidence could include copy of protocols, training programme, information pack. Could also obtain statements from others involved.
C.
Identifying Learning gained through dealing with a specific incident or situation
C.1
Learning and achievements through dealing with a difficult person
Overview of the incident A visit from an upset customer was expected - they were not happy with the way we had provided a catering service to them for a marketing event and wanted a major refund. This was not the first time they had complained and gained a refund, and were known to use intimidation tactics including strong language, threatening to involve their solicitors and threatening to go to the local newspaper. I gathered all of the information about the service we provided - including copies of all correspondence and details of telephone calls. I also had an overview of the anticipated complaint. Three things I learnt from the event If possible, gain as much information ahead of an anticipated confrontational meeting as possible - know your stuff and be prepared. Aim for a win-win situation - knowing the scope for any negotiation. It is also vital to know the law, particularly the rights of customers. Not to argue with an aggressive type who uses anger, rudeness or abuse to get their way. Three things which went well, and why There was agreement on the basic information provided by the customer. The information I went armed with was valuable in identifying where communication may have broken down. I kept eye contact and did not raise my voice although they raised theirs. I gave them time to put their complaint. If I had argued, raised my voice or responded emotionally to them then it could have given them more ammunition and the situation may have got out of my control. I managed to neutralise the situation. I managed to guide the customer into a side room rather than allow a noisy discussion to go on in the foyer of the company. This meant that the customer did not have an audience to play to, and it would be less embarrassing for others (including me). Three things I would do differently if I met a similar situation, and why Try to get the customer to participate more in identifying win-win strategies - or they may find fault with the decisions later. Avoid allowing the customer to 'invade my space' - I found it difficult to keep a calm and professional outward appearance when they almost put their face into mine as they were complaining. Step into a conversational gap more quickly to try to guide the conversation towards a satisfactory conclusion - I let the customer 'harangue' me for too long. Evidence Copy of an e-mail following the meeting - with personal details removed. Case study - names changed.
C.2
Learning and achievements through interviewing prospective volunteers
Overview of the incident I belong to a charity which relies on volunteers to give advice to the general public. All prospective volunteers have to complete an application form, and attend a formal interview. I was asked if I would be a member of the interviewing panel for the next group of prospective volunteers. Three things I learnt from the event 1. Sort out who on the panel is going to take specific areas of questioning. There is a need to ensure that you cover the same topics and issues with each of the candidates, although it is quite reasonable that you should want to talk about particular points with different candidates, and ask questions in various ways, having considered the evidence in the application forms. 2. Allow sufficient time between interviews to review the candidate, and prepare for the next person. 3. Use a variety of question types. At the beginning ask general questions to help them relax. Then use open-ended questions to avoid yes/no responses. Three things which went well, and why 1. Clear selection criteria had been drawn up, and a form on which to score the candidates according to the evidence they provided in relation to the criteria. This enabled us to discuss the different candidates more objectively and it made decision-making easier. 2. Good questioning. There was a variety of questions used which elicited a great deal of information from the candidates. Each candidate had time to respond and to elaborate upon the answer. Where appropriate, follow-up questions were used. This ensured that the candidates had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. 3. Time was allowed for the candidate to ask questions. This is a fact-finding exercise for both parties. Three things I would do differently if I met a similar situation, and why 1. I would have a number of 'what if' scenarios ready to put to the candidates. For example, I could describe some challenges the candidate may encounter in the job and ask for ideas on how to deal with them. This will give the candidate an opportunity to discuss instances where they had met similar situations, and to demonstrate their ability to make 'ethical' decisions - an important factor for the charity. 2. I would not make as many notes. Any excessive note taking may have distracted the candidates and made them feel uncomfortable. In future I will write down key words and finish the report at the end of the interview. 3. Review the seating arrangement to facilitate the interview. The layout of the room was not conducive to relaxation which was needed for the interview - it tended to be intimidating, with a large table between the panel of interviewers and the interviewee. Evidence - if any Endorsement by others on the interview panel Case study - preserving confidentiality
