Evaluating the impact of continuing professional development: the professional dissertation in lifelong learning

Abstract

Academic enquiry in higher education is an aspect of lifelong learning, which both defines and creates the learning culture through highly specialised and innovative means. This article examines and evaluates the impact of the contribution made by the professional dissertation in the context of Continuing Professional Development. Employing illustrations from dissertations in an international context and written as the culmination of a workplace based Master's programme, the article characterises the practitioner-researcher as typically engaged in fostering creativity, personal professional development, and aptitudes and skills both specific and transferable. In its conclusion, the article considers the ways in which the professional dissertation may be seen to meet the Dearing Committee recommendation that postgraduate research training should include the development of professional skills such as communication, self-management and planning. The professional dissertation is then offered as a model through which to encourage, promote and develop lifelong learning in postcompulsory education