Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have knowledge and understanding of procedures appropriate for reviewing and researching aspects of their own professional practice; knowledge and understanding of methods of gathering and analysing data related to aspects of practice; a deeper understanding of personal professional practice and the reactions of others involved in the work setting; a deeper understanding of the perspectives of other professionals involved in the subject. Students should have developed the ability to plan, develop, implement and evaluate a piece of research on an aspect of work practice; observe, assess and evaluate professional performance and use information to improve performance; prepare a piece of work to a level allowing submission for publication. Students should also have developed attitudes and values which enable them to see professional practice as something that can be understood and shaped by the student's own effort and actions; appreciate the value of working collaboratively to improve understanding and professional practice; increase in confidence and morale as a professional; appreciate the value of learning from experience and be willing to learn from experience and be sensitive to other people in the work setting; be willing to discuss experiences and research findings with others; appreciate the value of disseminating ideas to others.
Synopsis This subject is equivalent to a one-semester subject but extends over the whole year. It is designed for practising professionals wishing to take a subject designed to focus on analysis and improvement of their practice. Their experience will be linked to six workshop/seminar sessions (up to four hours each). At these sessions particular professional activities will be discussed and later implemented, experience will be reviewed and collaborative action research projects will be undertaken. The subject will require work and campus-level commitments to be arranged when participants are known. The aim of the subject is to assist participants to document aspects of their professional practice and publish their findings.
Assessment Journal record: 25% + Report (2000 words): 25% + Review (200 words): 25% + Case study (2000 words): 25%