More than a tool: Integrating the ‘teacher voice’ into an ePortfolio using the Three-layered PDP model

Personal Development Planning (PDP) was developed as a structured process to enable learners to reflect on their own learning, to record achievement and to plan for personal, academic and career development (QAA, 2009). PDP has been associated with ePortfolios as a means to support the pedagogical functions of PDP (Ward & Strivens, 2010, Toner & McDowall, 2015). Different approaches have been implemented in numerous UK higher education (HE) institutions (Strivens, 2007). This paper describes an innovative approach to the design and use of ePortfolios exemplified in the implementation of PDP using the dynamic interplay of three elements: the Three-layered PDP Model. In this model PDP is closely interwoven with two other elements: a learning ePortfolio and scaffolding activities. The paper discusses how this model is different from previous uses of ePortfolios and it explains the pedagogical rationale behind this model. This study took place within the context of the Open University (OU), one of the largest universities in the UK which is dedicated to distance education. The study reports on two pilot studies and the data gathered using this Three-layered PDP Model. It finishes by evaluating the model and suggesting some further steps.