Elements and Performance Criteria

Professional development activities may include:
Articles, public presentations, interviews and other communications
Attendance at lectures or other education activities
Participation in research projects
Participation in provings
Attendance at association meetings
Subscription to professional journals
Clinic supervision
Provision of or participation in training
Study, distance-based learning
Mentoring

Monitored may refer to:
Feedback from colleagues
Accreditation to professional associations
Peer discussions
Workplace assessments
Supervisory feedback
Assessment of clinic results
Client/patient surveys
Monitoring of client/patient attendance and business success

Research strategies include:
Selecting and defining hypotheses according to standard research practice
Case history
Surveys and questionnaires
Participant recruitment
Recognised research techniques
Research validation, peer review, reputability

Research requirements may include:
Designing and making available material and other aids needed to conduct research eg questionnaires
Identifying all relevant information sources
Arranging times and places for collection of information
Collecting and storing information
Maintaining confidentiality where appropriate

The research is reported includes:
Presenting research, methodology and findings to industry peers
Providing analysis of the data, issues and needs arising during research
Providing an analysis of methodology used

Critical aspects of assessment:
Demonstrated participation in professional development activities listed in the range of variables
Knowledge of research strategies
Knowledge of research techniques
Demonstrated ability to identify and communicate research findings with others
Demonstrated ability to collect, organise and analyse research data
Demonstrated report writing skills
Demonstrated presentation skills
Demonstrated competence in communicating industry specific information
Knowledge of recent issues and events affecting the industry

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of research issues and their application
Ability to write reports
Knowledge of statistical analysis
Knowledge of relevant reference works
Literacy, numeracy and computer skills
Knowledge of professional development activities available
Knowledge of the historical, theoretical and philosophical aspects of the field of practice
Knowledge of time management strategies
Knowledge of own personal and professional strengths and weaknesses

Resource implications:
Resource requirements may include:
Relevant documentation
Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Skilled assessors

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Practical demonstration
Explanations of technique
Oral questioning and discussion
Short tests and essays
Research projects
Presentations

Context of assessment:
This unit can be assessed in a range of settings where the participant can demonstrate professional development. Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and cover a range of participatory activities.