A learning plan is an opportunity for you to take charge of your study/research path and develop a program that meets your goals and your desired outcomes. It is a plan, in which as a researcher, you explicitly set out the tasks you want to achieve and the skills you intend to acquire. This plan should support you, as a researcher, to successfully complete your thesis and, as a professional, to graduate with the knowledge and skills for the life you have planned after the thesis.

Thus in your Learning Plan, you are expected to identify what you would like to achieve, in terms of the research project you are engaged in, but also where you would like to be in the longer term. This involves:

• Reflecting on what you need to learn, in order to complete your thesis
• Reflecting on where you want this thesis to take you in the short and longer term
• Assessing what you may need to get there in terms of skills acquisition, contacts…
• Finding where you will find activities/ opportunities/ training you might need to engage in

Resources and people who can help you compile your learning plan:

• Your learning plan must be put together in consultation with your supervisor
• Workshops about learning plans (for more information contact Joelle.Vandermensbrugghe@canberra.edu.au)
• Generic skills and attributes of University of Canberra graduates from research programs
• Talk to other students
• Check examples and templates made available on the WebCT site. For access contact Joelle.Vandermensbrugghe@canberra.edu.au
• Selecting reading: McCormack, C., Kiley, M., Maher, B., & Cripps, A. (2006). Taking charge: Using personal learning plans. In C. Denholm and T. Evans (eds) Doctorates Downunder: Keys to Successful Doctoral Study in Australia and New Zealand (pp. 76-86). Camberwell, Victoria: Australian Council for Educational Research.
• Talk to the Research Student Education Program co-ordinator, Dr Joelle Vandermensbrugghe, Joelle.Vandermensbrugghe@canberra.edu.au, phone: 6201 2819, whose job is to bring together all activities organised at the University and organise activities in response to students needs.

How and when do I complete my learning plan?

You will be expected to complete a learning plan within the first six months. Ideally it should be developed in consultation with the Chair of your Supervisory panel. To assist you with this, each semester a workshop on developing a learning plan will be organised. Information about this will be made available on the Research Education Program Website and sent around via the research students email distribution list.

You are expected to review and update the learning plan regularly since it is supposed to be a flexible plan needs, goals, timing might change and the learning plan needs to reflect this. Don't hesitate to involve the chair of the supervisory panel in this review process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a template for Learning Plans?

The University does not prescribe a format for the Learning Plan. However, in response to student requests, a few possible templates have been posted on the Research Education Program WebCT. They are by no means compulsory; you can come up with your own format.

How can we start writing up a Learning Plan if we are in the first stage of refining the topic or proposal?

The process of developing a Learning Plan complements the process of refining your topic and preparing your proposal. The Learning Plan should not be considered as a final document, it is a living document; it will change over the course of your candidature as your research evolves. If you and your supervisor feel that a slight change of direction is required, this can often be accommodated; particularly if it is early enough in your candidature!

Can professional work also be referred to in the Plan?

Yes of course. Students bring to their candidature knowledge, skills and attributes from their personal and professional life experiences. You can draw from this knowledge base to cite evidence of achievement in particular key learning areas. You can refer to activities organised in other spheres, e.g. working life in the Plan.

Who assesses my Learning Plan?

Overall what happens with the Learning Plan is you and your supervisors responsibility. But to ensure that the University is aware of your needs and responds to them, you are required to submit the completed learning plan to your Research Students Office (postgrad.research@canberra.edu.au). Copies of the Learning Plans are also transmitted to the convenor of the Research Education Program, to ensure adequate activities are organised.

You are also expected to report on your Learning Plan in the Annual Progress Report.