CPD – Reflecting on the value of learning activities

Published: 6 June 2011

An important part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Registration Standard for nurses and midwives is the requirement to reflect on the value of learning activities and to incorporate that reflection into the documentation of those activities. Reflection is integral to the continuing professional development cycle defined in the registration standard, and as such it also contributes to the total CPD hours required to be completed each year.

Reflection is an important learning tool because it promotes a deeper understanding of the subject matter. One way to accomplish this reflection is through the use of a reflective journal. To assist you in meeting this standard, the QNU has developed a Record of Continuing Professional Development, which has a section for reflective journaling. This resource will help ensure you have evidence of your CPD activities for auditing purposes.

So, what makes a reflective journal? One method might be to write down a list of questions to ask yourself after each learning activity. For example, questions such as:

  • What prompted me to seek out this learning activity?
  • Was my pre-existing knowledge challenged by the activity? If so, how?
  • Did this activity uncover other areas where I need to improve my skills? If so, what skills need to be improved or attained and where/how can I gain those skills?
  • How do I feel now about performing this element of practice?
  • Has this learning activity had a positive impact on my beliefs about my ability to learn and improve my practice?
  • When considering all of my answers above, was this activity valuable as a learning activity? If so, how?

These self-reflective questions are just an example of a wide range of possible journal styles. What form the journal takes is up to you, there is no right or wrong way. What is important is to write about what was done, what was learnt and the cognitive and affective responses to that learning. Over time, this reflection develops more analytical and critical thinking patterns and helps to make reflective learning more innate, not only in structured learning activities, but in everyday practice as well.

What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?

Continuing professional development is the means by which members of the profession maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence, and develop the personal and professional qualities required throughout their professional lives. The CPD cycle involves reviewing practice, identifying learning needs, planning and participating in relevant learning activities, and reflecting on the value of those activities (ANMC, 2009).

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