21st November 2005, 12:47 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by eggbasketI am not sure how the IFA could recognise this given their structuring system for the levels. If you were to say that experience should be taken into account when determining the level at which someone may join the IFA, the process would become too heavily reliant upon references because there would be little that was demonstrable in their background apart from the actual amount of time they have spent working in archaeology. This is not always a useful measure of competence. I think that medals are definitely the way forward.
I think there is a solution to this problem and the IFA are already more than half way there with their Continuing Professional Development (CPD)scheme. Problem is that at the moment it is not compulsory....
I believe that an archaeologist who becomes PIFA should automatically become AIFA after 3 years continuous IFA membership providing they can demonstrate evidence of CPD for that 3 year period. A similar connection should exist between AIFA and MIFA status. The IFA suggests that evidence of CPD should be maintained in a CPD log and there is a downloadable form for members to use.
The following taken from the IFA web-site defines CPD.
As a principle, CPD refers to the continuing need of all archaeologists to keep up to date and extend our knowledge and expertise. This is essential to the continuing development of the academic discipline and practical methodology of archaeology, to enhancing society?s understanding of its past and present and to maintaining our standards in the use and care of a vulnerable, valuable resource.
As a process, CPD describes a structure through which each of us, as individual archaeologists, can identify the underpinning knowledge and skills necessary to maintain or develop our expertise and further our careers, within existing roles or in seeking or taking on new responsibilities. The structure enables us to select the ways by which we acquire that knowledge and those skills, and to commit to this learning. Further, it provides us each with a means of articulating to others our learning needs and for each of us to seek, and obtain, the support we may need in our commitment.
CPD is applicable to all archaeologists, professional and amateur alike. It is relevant to all practitioners, in all sectors of the archaeological community, no matter what their seniority or specialisation may be.
? Home-based learning Private study, structured reading on particular themes or topics. Use of audio, video or multi-media resources, internet and other distance learning materials
? Work-based learning On-the-job training or supervised responsibilities in particular activities or skills; background reading, research or preparation required to tackle a new area of work
? In-house training courses Courses on particular themes or in particular skills that are provided by, and logged or certificated by, employers
? External training courses Short Courses on particular themes or in particular skills that are provided by organisations other than employers
? Preparatory research Researching information and other materials for presentations to conferences, technical seminars and other eetings, professional bodies or for publications
? Conferences, seminars, workshops or other technical and professional events and meetings
? Formal research Supervised and/or peer reviewed academic research
? Qualifications Courses, including full and part-time or distance learning, leading to a qualification, such as degrees, diplomas and certificates, NVQs or SVQs (or units thereof), or professional qualifications
I am sure that within the scope of CPD it will be possible to distinguish with ease the differences between a cheeky 9-month old and a bashful 9-year old archaeologist.
The IFA seems to recognise that it is possible to develop as an archaeologist within existing roles or in seeking or taking on new responsibilities. so making distinctions between site assistants, project managers and any grades in between largely irrelevant, at least when it comes to consider PIFA/AIFA/MIFA status.
As one great man once said 'Blessed are the Cheesemakers'. Surely the highest level of IFA membership should be attained by those who subscribe to and abide by the Rules and Codes of the Institute.