Cache_Level_3_Teaching_Assistant_C1_Unit_2

C1 Explain how SMART targets can be used to develop a professional development plan. By using a personal development plan (PDP), you can highlight any areas that you feel you may need more training in or areas that need developing more. Through an appraisal with management or employer you can talk through these options and see what route you need to go down to attain these targets. Kamen (2008 page 154) states: “You should take part in continuing professional development by identifying areas in your knowledge, understanding and skills where you could develop further. This involves being able to identify your own SMART personal development objectives.” • Specific: identify exactly what you want to develop such as the particular skills you need to update or new skills you need to acquire, e.g. first-aid or ICT skills. • Measureable: define criteria that can be used to measure whether or not your objectives have been achieved, e.g. best practice benchmarks, course certificate of attendance or qualification. • Achievable: avoid being too ambitious; set objectives which you know are attainable. • Realistic: be realistic about what you want to develop. • Time-bound: plan a realistic time frame within which to achieve your objectives. One target that I would like to achieve is to attain my paediatric first aid certificate. Through the use of SMART targets I can see if this is possible. *Specific – achieve first aid qualification. *Measureable – complete the course. *Achievable – look into whether the course is running locally. *Realistic – ensure the course can be completed with my other commitments and whether it is affordable. *Time-bound – set a target for when you would like to have completed the course, maybe a 6 months target. Keep looking back over any PDP you have set out. Circumstances can alter and the plan may need to be changed to ensure it is achievable and realistic.