2. Supporting PDP Processes
All HEIs are required to provide structured and supported opportunities for PDP for all students at all levels, which will be monitored as part of the QAA institutional audit and subject review process.
Northampton's Unified Personal and Academic Development (NUPAD)
The NUPAD policy was approved in May 2005 and revised in January 2008. The policy focuses on delivery of PDP support via personal tutorials and/or through core modules, and recognizes the importance of flexibility and customisation. In many programme areas practice has been established for some years, often integrated within curriculum activity. These demonstrate a variety of approaches, but most cover the core elements of skills development, learning through reflection, and setting objectives for progression.
PDP support on NILE
All the PDP resources are accessed via the pyramid diagram: volunteering (CfCV), careers information (CES) and study support (CfAP) from the PDP tab in NILE. This can be viewed by clicking on the PDP tab at the top of the screen in NILE. Up-to-date information about PDP, Careers and Volunteering will also be posted on this tab.
The central green triangle links to the resources in the PDP Module. This includes links to an induction video, a link to students' personal e-portfolio area (MyPAD), subject-specific PDP resources and other useful links, including ideas and activities to help staff support the process.
MyPAD e-portfolio
The e-portfolio area for students and staff at Northampton is called MyPAD, and is available through each person's NILE login. Once logged into NILE, you can access your e-portfolio area through the tools menu on the left-hand side of the Welcome page, or through the PDP tab. Content can by added to your e-portfolio by adding sites: blogs or wikis. This area is private unless you choose to share with others.
Welcome to MyPAD is a site already in the e-portfolio which gives guidance to students on how to use the e-portfolio, with examples of reflective writing. Three further default wikis contain core templates for charting the student journey.
Subject-specific PDP resources
Relevance engages and motivates students! Subject-specific PDP resources are currently available in the PDP Course on NILE for the following subjects:
- Accounting and Finance
- Biology and Health Studies
- Computing and Information Technology
- Dance and Drama
- English
- Fashion and Textiles
- Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
- History
- Law
- Media and Communication Studies
- Sociology and Criminology
- Sports Studies
Staff development
From time to time the Office of Learning and Teaching run Staff Development sessions on effective use of PDP and e-portfolio. Watch out for announcements on the staff homepage.
PDP Coordinator
A PDP Coordinator is available to help you plan PDP activities in the curriculum, or to run PDP introductory sessions for students. Please book well in advance by emailing pdp@northampton.ac.uk.
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