The Individual Learning Plan (ILP) form for Investigating the Work Setting includes some ideas from a discussion with Ian about plans and contracts. Ian tends towards the view that the plan is also a contract between student and tutor, whereas my view is that the plan is a personal tool for managing study time, checked by a tutor to ensure that the essential dates are appropriate and that there is a basic understanding of the required assignments. However, I agreed with Ian that some "contract" elements would be very useful, and included them in the design of the form.

As the form is new, there has been some discussion with students about what is expected in the section on consideration of issues, and I have provided the following example:

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Workplace advocate / Line manager
My workplace advocate is the Programme Leader for the Learning, Technology and Research degree course. He fully supports my study and is prepared to arrange a meeting this semester to discuss any work-related issues. My line manager is the Director of Education Studies and has encouraged me to undertake the course.

Ethics
As a university employee, I will need to comply with both the policies on research ethics, and the Dignity at Work policy.

Resources and support in the workplace
My colleagues will be a key source of support.

Support for specific student learning needs
none

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Some students will specify dyslexia in the last section, or other learning needs that need to be taken into account.