Institute for Learning Dual Professionalism what does it

Institute for Learning Dual Professionalism: what does it mean and does it matter? Jean Kelly 13. 02. 14

Dual professionalism • A term coined by Jocelyn Robson in the 90 s • Subject/vocational expertise and pedagogy equally important in FE and Skills • Is this still important in a de-regulated environment? • Can inspection processes diminish any sense of professionalism? • Should we be thinking beyond a dual to a ‘triple professionalism’?

Dual professionalism • Adopted by If. L for its balanced CPD model in 2007 • CPD reviews and research over 5 years demonstrates commitment to this by teachers and trainers • Research for CAVTL(2012) shows that teachers and trainers find it hard to gain industry updating on an annual basis • Funding for investment in training/development will be cut from 2014 (UKCES employer skills survey)

De-regulation from 2013 • ‘Teachers and trainers are not required to join a professional body’ • ‘Teachers and trainers are not required to achieve specific teaching qualifications’ • ‘Teachers and trainers are not required to meet any minimum standards of performance’ • ‘Teachers and trainers are not required to fulfil CPD requirements beyond those specified by their employer or through a contract of employment’

‘Triple’ Professionalism? A term coined by Hodgson and Spours, 2013, to illustrate a professionalism that is democratic, activist, and ecological. It is: • ethically driven • co-produced with other professionals and students • about fostering democratic institutions • Having the ability to think and act on differing and expanding ecological levels from the individual to the international

What does matter? From our research what does matter to teachers and trainers is making continual improvements in the quality and the impact of their teaching • on their learners – as a trusted and excellent dual professional • on their colleagues – sharing what works and what doesn’t through action research and evidence based practice • on their institution – taking pride in developing an excellent learning organisation