Extract from report (12 November 2019) by DPG QA Manager Jessica Bates after attending a workshop for experienced L&D professionals on the Level 5 CIPD diploma
Your expertise in L&D was evident throughout the facilitation. You used your experience to bring the learning to life, which was a pleasure to watch. You created an environment that was centred around developing the learners and working collaboratively as a group to raise attainment.
You evidenced a range of learning strategies throughout the sessions – group work of varying sized groups, individual contributions and activities which involved moving around the room. You showed you were aware of the different levels of knowledge in the room by asking individuals about their organisations and developing the learning to that context. You also changed the learners within groups between activities to provide more diverse conversation.
You created an environment where learners felt comfortable to ask questions and challenge content and other learner’s opinions in a respectful and inquisitive manner. From this, great discussion was had which you managed appropriately, ensuring the conversation remained in the realms of the workshop content. You maintained engagement by opening questions from learner-to-facilitator to the group, encouraging peer-led Q&A. In this, you continuously asked learners to share experiences from their workplaces and discussed the differences.
You promoted academic rigour throughout the sessions by emphasising the quality of references and sources used in assessments, and specifically the research project. You used personal experiences to contextualise the content which sparked discussion around learning objectives and furthered learners understanding of the assessment criteria. You provided clear links to previous learning which outlined how the programme was continuously developing on the learner’s knowledge.
Knowledge: You are a subject matter expert in L&D which is evident throughout facilitation and discussion with learners. You make the content relevant for each learner and their workplace whilst engaging the entire group in the discussion.
Adaptable: Your learners commented on your ability to answer any question and the wealth of L&D knowledge that you bring to the discussion. Your ability to be adaptable was also evident in the discussion at the beginning of the session which concentrated on the research project, which was outside of the agenda. You pre-empted that learners would have questions regarding this and addressed this from the outset.
Communication: You communicate effectively in both the written and verbal form. You are clear in your answers to questions and when providing instruction.
Learning Strategy: You incorporated several strategies to confirm the learners understanding. For example, the room was divided into three and learners asked to identify which category they fell into. This confirmed the understanding and gaps in the knowledge for some learners which led to further discussion to define to the terms and ideas discussed.
The learners in attendance praised Ralph for the experience he brings to the learning content. Ralph’s facilitation was described as “adaptable to each person’s needs” and “very inspiring”. Learners commented on the turnaround time for feedback as positive and that Ralph was great at responding to queries.
Observation of Learning & Teaching Grade: 31 (out of 32), rating of Green. You are working to an outstanding level Ralph. You are a credit to DPG.