Developing LDers: a spotlight on resources and framework for the ALDinHE continuous professional development project

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi37.1723

Keywords:

continuous professional development, collaboration, inclusivity

Abstract

How do learning developers (LDers), at all stages of their career, contribute to their own development, and that of LD colleagues? Our community is rich with knowledge, experience, innovation and creativity, with which it enhances the professional development of LDers, and thus enhances the learning experience of the students we work with.

The ALDinHE Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Working Group, along with the aligned Community of Practice, draws on this wealth of expertise to support the development of our CPD framework and resources. The current focus is on the CPD of new and early career LDers, across a number of areas of LD practice. Over time, this will develop to offer resources for more experienced colleagues.

We invited delegates in this workshop to experience some of the resources, and to contribute to their ongoing development. In doing so, our aim was for them to gain an understanding of the resources that will be accessible through the CPD project, reflect on their own CPD, and offer their perspectives to help shape the resources as inclusive, innovative and effective.

Author Biographies

Amy West, University of Northampton

Amy West is a Learning Development Tutor based in the Library, Learning and Student Services, at the University of Northampton. Amy came to Learning Development from working in the arts and then primary education. Along with supporting students, Amy values collaborating with colleagues in faculties, and in LD, on research and teaching innovation projects. She is a Fellow of Advance HE, an ALDinHE Fellow, and a winner of the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE). Amy is an active member of ALDinHE.

Samantha Thomas, Arden University

Sam Thomas is Senior Academic Skills Tutor at Arden University. Sam has worked in Learning Development for over eight years. She is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE, an ALDinHE Certified Practitioner and an active member of ALDinHE. Her focus is to provide services to those with additional needs including non-traditional and distance learners, and to support colleagues to develop their skills through mentoring.

Kate Coulson, BPP University

Kate Coulson is an Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Educational Practice at BPP University. In her role within the Education Services directorate, she works internationally across the BPP Group with responsibility for Learning and Teaching Enhancement and the Library Service. She is a National Teaching Fellow (NTF) and a winner of the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE). Her research interests focus on the impact of learning development, student resilience and enhancing student outcomes.

References

Hartley, P., Hilsdon, J., Keenan, C., Sinfield, S. and Verity, M. (eds.) (2011) Learning development in higher education. Palgrave Macmillan.

Igiebor, J. (forthcoming) Doing learning development in higher education: a practical guide for new and early career learning developers. London: Routledge.

Syska, A. and Buckley, C. (eds.) (2023) How to be a learning developer in higher education: critical perspectives, community and practice. London: Routledge.

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Published

30-09-2025

How to Cite

West, A., Thomas, S., & Coulson, K. (2025). Developing LDers: a spotlight on resources and framework for the ALDinHE continuous professional development project. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (37). https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi37.1723

Issue

No. 37 (2025): Special Edition, ALDinHE Conference Proceedings and Reflections

Section

Conference Proceedings

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Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education

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