Professional Development 101: The Basics

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?

Professional development, commonly referred to as "PD," is a systematic process that strengthens how professionals obtain and retain knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

PD doesn't happen by chance. In order to improve organizational practices, you must consciously design PD processes and content with your organization's goals in mind.

Professional development should leverage adult learning principles to engage learners. That means following a systematic process that includes sustaining, designing, promoting, delivering, following up, and evaluating.

Offerings should be designed so that:

• Participants feel respected.
• The learning environment is safe and supportive.
• The content is relevant to participants' needs.
• Learning offerings are varied to address the needs of a diverse audience.
• Participants have opportunities to practice skills and apply new knowledge.

For more information about adult learning principles, theories, and learning styles, see the next course in the series, Professional Development 201: From Basic to Dynamic.