CPDs

[Unitof1]

I suspect it is us peripatetics and self employeds that find it pointless. AS we already know what we are doing.

four or five years ago self employeds didnt even exist, now the consultants are no more and our main job is to consul those who have not done the self employed CPD

[kevin wooldridge]

Well I'm glad you said it first Kevin

I also added YEAH!! (before anyone came up with a clever comeback!!)

[kevin wooldridge]

I feel like living proof.

So it seems that CPD is what most of us are doing already, but we should write it down so others can see that we are doing stuff as well. Though of course I could lie and say I have read several books yesterday... and snuck into the back of several conferences, you just did not see me.

Within a closed working environment it may be very useful - I suspect it is us peripatetics and self employeds that find it pointless. AS we already know what we are doing. :face-huh:

Interesting concepts here.

I think it is interesting in that CPD even exists as a concept in an industry where to my reckoning at least 50% (or 75% if you believe the IfA estimation of 7000 persons involved in archaeology) of participants couldn't with any certainty tell you what their employment, let alone professional, status will be 6 months ahead!! For those who can CPD might be a matter of debate, for those that can't UPD (uncertain professional development) is just a way of life....

[Digger]

Hi Kevin, the IFA is currently examining (or advising on how to keep) members CPDs. Some of the points I have heard raised from members have been: don't they have more important things to be doing? Don't they realise people can't afford CPD at this time? Dont they realise It's not exactly one of my priorities in the current economic climate?
There is also a debate on what constitutes training/obligations provided(?) by RAOs. If I learn something new everyday is my CPD covered by turning up to work?
It all seems a bit.......

[BAJR]

like a pencil without a lead?

[BAJR]

I do understand the concept and indeed approve of it. In a way we should be keeping up to date, but - and it is a big but. What does it do for the individual, other than you rush back from a conference and say... went to conference, which i found interesting and learned about...stuff.... Does a company say... hey... this person is worth money.. a rise... ?

I remember back in the day (grandad) when on site we would learn about what we were digging because it mattered.. not to the company, not to anyone. But to us. It mattered to us because we cared. surely teh best CPD of all. Giving a damn.

Currently I am reading... wait for it

The History of Soils and Field Systems (Sally M Foster)
Europe Between the Oceans: 9000BC-AD1000 by Barry Cunliffe
and
The Traprain Law Environs Project by Colin Haselgrove

I recently went to the Current Archaeology Conference and have signed up for a course on hill walking leadership training

I also went to 3 talks on Art and weaving... and have been learning and carrying out GLOW meets ( an online system for education engagement)

Now... I am also learning 2 new GIS systems and teaching myself php etc.... however... I feel I should be doing that... not HAVE to, but WANT to.

I am sure we can all list what we are doing. The secret is wanting to.

[Digger]

I have things I want to do and happily pay and make time as and when I can, though I admit I keep the information in my head. Am still interested on hearing peoples thoughts on RAOs (even non-RAOs) and training.

[the invisible man]

Hosty's list of activities are a classic example of CPD stuff. To maintain the IfA minumum number of hours you "need" to do much less than that - but that's not point, as Hosty says. The pain in the butt is filling in the little form, and cross referencing it to your PDP "goals".

To be honest if IfA keep getting their knickers in a twist about it all I'll just resign. As it is, I want to apply to upgrade my category but updating the CPD log is what's putting me off.

[P Prentice]

i am in favour of training and i am in favour of the onus of training being on the employer. i am even in favour of appraisals. but i can not see the point in the rubber-stamping of a log which bares no relationship to any individuals ability, knowledge or skill. it is ridiculous and if it weren't for my ro status.........

[Gilraen]

Ah yes, I'm sorry I meant CPD log.

And I appreciate that some people in this forum aren't archaeologists as well, which may account for the 'waste of time' options. However, CPD logs are not exclusive to the archaeological profession...