Developing CLD Professional Practice Observation Feedback

University of Aberdeen: School of Education

Programme: PG Diploma Community Learning & Development
Student: Tracey Rae
Mentor: Moira Strathdee
Date: 24 Feb 2016
Observation 1

Observation 2

Observation 3

This feedback report should be completed on the basis of a dialogue between the
student and the mentor, drawing on evidence from an observation of practice
and the post observation reflection. (Please indicate if the report is based on
observation 1, 2 or 3). It should relate to the students development plan and
should reflect on the progress against that plan, with reference to the CLD
competences and identified development goals.
The feedback should be given to the student who is then required to respond
with their own written reflection. Both the mentors feedback report and the
reflective response should be emailed (by the student) to the Programme
Director and included in the student portfolio.

Observation Report
Preparation and planning
What practice was observed and why? Were specific areas for observation and
feedback identified in advance? How was the observation negotiated, including
with other participants? What evidence was there of purposeful preparation?
Tracey had highlighted a need to develop her skills in adult learning in her
development plan
and this was an opportunity to observe Tracey providing a learning opportunity
to a community group.
She sought the groups permission for me to attend. She reinforced the reasons
for me being there at the start of the session and thanked the group for their cooperation.
Tracey had been asked to provide training as she has experience in supporting
community councils. There was no specific training programme available before
the meeting but she worked with the group to identify their needs at the
beginning of the session to ensure the training met their needs. This approach
can make it difficult for the trainer to be prepared but it ensures that the training
was fit for purpose and with Traceys experience in this field, it was an
appropriate approach to take. At the end of the session she revisited them to
ensure that everyone was happy that the session had covered everything they
needed and gave them to opportunity to clarify any points they were unsure of.

Evidence of competent practice:

Which competences were evident in what you observed? Were particular
strengths noticed? Were any aspects of competence noted for development?
Were any relevant competences not evident? Any concerns about practice?

Know and understand the community in which we work

As Tracy worked with community councils for many years, she
understands this community of interest very well. Tracy was able to
provide information which helped the group to explore internal and
external influences in their work. She encouraged them involve other
stakeholders in identifying local priorities
Build and maintain relationships with individuals and groups
Tracey has excellent people skills and demonstrated good listening skills,
valuing everyones inputs and encouraging the group to see things from
different perspectives, e.g. encouraging them to consider how the wider
community views the work of the community council are they aware of it,
do they know who to contact? She dealt with queries and sometimes
challenging statements re attitudes towards her employer, The Moray
Council. She also demonstrated great diplomacy when comments were
made unfairly about how the local area was treated by the local authority.
She clearly understood the underlying dynamics of the group and was
able to respond in a way
2

Provide learning and development opportunities in a range of

contexts
This observation provided an opportunity for Tracey to evidence her skills
in facilitating adult learning. For this session there was no prepared
agenda as Tracey was keen to ensure that the group set the agenda. This
could have made the session a challenge had things came up which
Tracey was not prepared for but she demonstrated good active listening
skills throughout the session and regularly summarised points and
checked back that she had understood what was being asked. She
provided clear guidance on many points including the legalities of the
roles of the community councillors. She always checked if the group felt
she had answered the question before moving onto other topics. This
informal approach worked well with this group. Tracey offered to provide
future sessions if required.
Facilitate and promote community empowerment
One of the purposes of the Community Council is to facilitate and promote
community empowerment. Tracey explained this to the group and gave
many examples throughout the evening of ways for them to do this. As
her examples were all real, the group were able to value and consider how
they could work more closely with their local community. There was
discussion about how to encourage anyone to get involved in making
suggestions and making things better for the local community.
Organise and manage resources
Tracey feels that she has limited experience in this competency but she
was prepared for todays meeting and had everything required at her
finger tips. The guidance she offered the group evidenced that she has
experience in organising and manging resources as she gave guidance on
a number of topics e.g using their funding; looking after their equipment
and making use of local expertise.
Develop and support collaborative working
Tracey highlighted to the group the opportunities available through
working collaboratively with the local community and with community
planning partners. There was discussion about their lack of success with
police & councillors and Tracey was able to provide ideas about how they
could make things better. She explained potential opportunities available
and gave examples of things which had worked well for other Community
Councils. Tracey clarified the role of The Moray Council .
Evaluate and inform practice
Tracey encouraged the group to provide informal feedback on the session
and has asked her colleague, who is new to the role, to provide feedback.
She was able to reflect on the session herself.

Feedback
With consideration to the identified aspects of practice on which the student
sought feedback, what points were noted?

Reflective summary of students development in relation to

competences and towards development goals

Future development/actions
Did the observation highlight further learning needs and/or actions? Does the
development plan need amending? How might this practice be evidenced in the
portfolio?

Any additional comments?