The type of Continuing Professional Development varies depending on a range of different learning methods. CPD can be broadly defined within three areas:
Structured CPD / Active Learning
Structured CPD typically involves interactive and participation-based study. It is often proactive and can include attending training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, eLearning courses or CPD certified events. CPD active learning can also apply to professionals taking career-orientated exams, however the study and revision would be considered self-directed learning.
Reflective CPD
Reflective CPD defines learning that often has a structured format, however will typically have no participant-based interaction, and so this form of CPD is much more passive and one directional than structured CPD. Examples of reflective CPD can include watching training videos and tutorials, attending a non-interactive lecture, as well as possibly attending relevant industry briefings, podcasts,
case studies and industry updates. In instances, some informal meetings can be applicable to reflective CPD, but the learning outcomes and objectives of these meetings must be made clear for an individual to be able to use in their overall CPD plan.
Self-directed learning is the term that covers all unaccompanied CPD activities. This includes discussions in forums, reading books, articles and industry publications; either in print or online. You could possibly also include industry-specific news feeds or research into relevant fields. The areas of self-directed learning often do not have specific time frames for the learning activity, are informal and the learning outcomes of each individual can vary significantly.
Blended approach to Continuing Professional Development
We recommend a blended approach to Continuing Professional Development that incorporates a full range of different CPD learning types and methods. There is no one-size-fits all approach to learning, but as perhaps expected, the more interaction and participation, the higher chances of knowledge retention and engagement. From experience, we advise that an individual looks to complete at least 50% of their CPD from a structured and active learning environment, and the remaining learning balanced across both the reflective and self-directed types.