Choosing the right CPD programme for your career goals involves multiple factors, such as assessing your professional needs, considering your preferred learning style, and evaluating the cost and budget. Selecting courses that align with your long-term objectives and industry requirements is essential. This blog post guides you on how to choose the right CPD programme, regardless of your profession.
Factors to Consider in Choosing the Perfect CPD Programme
The following questions will help you learn how to choose the right CPD programme for your career goals.
What is your Goal?
Considering your profession, identify what learning gaps you need to fill or areas of expertise you need to enhance that directly benefit your job role.
So, before you hush and start to look for a CPD programme, define your goal first. Set SMART goals for CPD to ensure you choose the right programme; this will help you identify, establish and achieve your desired results in a realistic and timely manner.
Suppose you are a teacher and want to refine your teaching methodology; say flipped classroom. Your goal would be to learn and implement this to cater to your students’ needs.
With the SMART framework, your goal will look something like this:
- Specific: I will develop a comprehensive understanding of the flipped classroom methodology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Measurable: I will complete a CPD course within three weeks and increase student test scores by 15% within the first quarter of implementation.
- Achievable: I will dedicate one hour daily to study the flipped classroom approach, including lesson planning, resource creation, and seeking guidance from colleagues.
- Relevant: I will foster a more student-centred learning environment by aligning the flipped classroom approach with my role as a teacher.
- Time-bound: I will complete the CPD course by (a specific date) and fully implement the flipped classroom approach by the end of the current academic year.
How to Hunt the Right CPD Programme ?
Once your goal is identified, search for the right type of CPD programme. Remember, the course must align with your goals, needs and preferences. You may:
- Examine the content; see if it is up to date and make sure it covers the topics relevant to your goal
- Read reviews and testimonials of previous learners to check the programme’s relevance and credibility
- Check the websites of your professional associations for their CPD offering
- See if the CPD programme is listed in industry publications or websites
- Ensure CPD certification is provided upon completion
How is CPD being Delivered ?
CPDs are delivered in various formats; they all contribute to your personal and professional development, such as, in-person, online or a mixture of both – blended learning.
In-person CPD will offer you the opportunity to face to face interact with your instructors and experience hands-on training.
Online CPD can be live or include pre-recorded sessions accessible through the Internet.
Blended learning combines online with in-person sessions.
There are many CPD types or activities you may come across, including:
- Workshops
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Webinars
- Online courses
- Podcasts
- Networking events
- Publications; articles, books, magazines, journals
What is Your Preferred Learning Style ?
As mentioned before, CPDs are available in both online and in-house formats. To maximise your learning, ask yourself how you learn best:
- Do you learn better with visuals, like presentations or reading material?
- Do you learn better with hands-on practice, like in workshops?
- Do you learn better by listening, like podcasts?
Visual learners perform best in online and blended learning settings, where they can benefit from visual aids and digital resources.
Hands-on learners work best in workshops where they can engage in practical activities. Meanwhile, auditory learners may find podcasts enjoyable and effective ways to absorb information.
Remember, an effective CPD programme combines your learning style with opportunities to get theoretical knowledge and apply practical skills, promoting comprehensive learning and development.
Do They Offer Flexible Timing ?
As a teacher, you may have limited time to attend in-person CPD events or activities.
Most online learning platforms provide flexible timing and schedule which allows you to access and complete the course anytime and from anywhere.
So, whether you choose online or blended learning, you can pursue your continuing education with your existing commitments and achieve your goals efficiently.
Is CPD Accredited or Non-Accredited ?
This is one of the most important components of CPD. You must check if the offered CPD is accredited or non-accredited because accredited courses signify credibility and quality of learning activities.
It is reassuring to know that experts will be leading the CPD with extensive knowledge, high-level subject expertise, and experience in their relevant fields
However, it does not mean that non-accredited CPDs have no importance they can still be a valuable source of learning and development.
Many non-accredited CPD activities receive endorsement from regulatory authorities or independent accreditation organisations. These endorsing bodies establish quality standards that CPD activities must align with to receive their endorsement, ensuring the quality and relevance of CPD activities .
What is the Cost and Value of the Programme ?
Cost is a crucial factor in determining the right CPD course, therefore, carefully go through and select a few programmes that offer the most learning value and directly align with your goals.
Consider the course fee, potential additional costs like course materials, travel expenses and access to training facilities for in-person programmes.
However, online CPD programs remove these additional costs, making them financially attractive.
So, whichever mode you are choosing, carefully weigh the cost against the learning value offered, and then make an informed decision that enhances and maximises your return on investment (ROI) for your professional development.
Conclusion
Continuing professional development is an ongoing journey for your career growth. To foster your professional development choosing the right CPD programme is an important step. Carefully consider your career goals, learning style, and budget, and then select a programme that effectively enhances your understanding, skills and knowledge. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can make informed decisions and invest your time and resources wisely.
