To cite this article: Susan Manns (2003) Developing the Reflective Practitioner Through Work Experience: A small-scale investigation into the benefits of integrating a range of workplace experience into a full-time professional postgraduate town planning course, Journal of Further and Higher Education, 27:1, 77-88, ABSTRACT Educational theory suggests that there is a clear role for work-based learning within professional education. A recent review of the postgraduate town planning course at the University of Central England provided an opportunity to extend the range of work-based experience for full-time students. Whilst existing modules emphasised the development of 'process knowledge' or 'technical expertise', the new module aimed to stimulate another aspect of 'professionalism', namely the skills of a 'reflective practitioner'. This investigation considers the development of the new 'Planning Practice' module from the perspective of educational theory, evaluation of current practices, examination of employer's attitudes and the student experience. It is concluded that the module provides a valuable and enriching addition to the professional development of full-time students.
This article reviews the findings of a survey undertaken by the authors in 1999 of all local planning authorities in England and Wales to establish current practices and procedures regarding public speaking rights at development control planning committees. The survey found that the number of planning authorities allowing public speaking appeared to have doubled in the last few years. At the same time, over one third of all planning authorities still did not allow public speaking, and had no intention of introducing it. Moreover, of those that did allow it, only one in five permitted the full range of interests recommended by the Nolan Committee on standards of conduct in local government. We argue that there is a needfor planning authorities to exchange experiences on speaking rights in order to inform 'best practice', and conclude that there may well be tensions between the drive to improve efficiency in local government decision making and the demands for more openness and accountability.
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