Professional Discussion

Individual Portfolio Route to the HPD using the Professional Discussion/Viva Model

The professional discussion/viva  model offers the candidate an alternative method in the way their evidence is presented against the learning outcomes.

Rather than writing up a lengthy written document, the candidate prepares to attend a meeting with the assessor to discuss and reflect on how and what they know and practice against the learning outcomes. The candidate will be briefed about what to expect by the assessor. The assessor will then make judgements of the information presented and probe for further evidence through questioning.

This is clearly attractive to candidates in that the HPD, to a large extent, will “fall out” of their everyday practice. The candidate will have to prepare thoroughly for the discussion ready to evidence their knowledge, understanding and skills.

The whole process should be far more rewarding than spending disproportionate amounts of time on writing lengthy repetitive answers.

The assessment process is more holistic and can be tailored to a candidate’s needs e.g. some candidates find the written HPD model too daunting. This model enables those candidates to achieve the same standard via a different route. The cost of this approach is higher as it requires more assessor time.

In summary the professional discussion model of assessment for the HPD provides:

  • A structured interview with the candidate against the standards
  • An opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate the learning outcomes through exploration, discussion and probing of practice and underpinning knowledge and principles
  • A naturally flowing discussion rather than just a question and answer session
  • A flexible way for candidates to evidence the learning outcomes
  • An opportunity to use recorded evidence

Checklist for Professional Discussion

Name of Assessor………………………………………………………… Date: ………………….

Name of Candidate ………………………………………………………Date: ………………….

ASSESSOR YES / NO CANDIDATE

ASSESSOR Y/N CANDIDATE
Is professional discussion is the appropriate method to use? Do I know the issues I will be expected to discuss and how these relate to the outcomes?
Am I sure this candidate is ready to be assessed? Do I know what knowledge and understanding I need to demonstrate and what examples of my practice I might need to bring with me to the discussion? 

 
Have will this professional discussion will be used in combination with other evidence? Do I have enough time to prepare? 

 
Have I explained to the candidate that they take the lead and I will minimise asking questions? 

 

 Am I confident that I fully understand what is 

expected of me in a professional discussion?

 
Have we agreed an appropriate time and place to talk/meet and how to record it? 

 

 Have we agreed an appropriate time and place to meet and how to record it? 

 

Completed by: …………………………………………………………………………………………..

(Sign & Print)