The aim of this paper is to discuss the decision made last year, by the Caledonian College of Engineering in Oman, to introduce compulsory modules in Personal Development Planning (PDP) at each level of study in the UK-awarded diploma and degree programmes. The primary objective of PDP is to improve the capacity of individuals to understand what and how they are learning, and to review, plan and take responsibility for their own learning. This paper describes how the main topic areas covered in PDP have been introduced to Omani engineering students; the learning/teaching methodology; how these modules are assessed and evaluated and how these areas relate to the needs of current and future employers. The challenges that have been faced during the implementation of these modules in terms of contextualisation (UK modules imported into an Omani environment) and external assessment are also discussed.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the decision made last year, by the Caledonian College of Engineering in Oman, to introduce compulsory modules in Personal Development Planning (PDP) at each level of study in the UK-awarded diploma and degree programmes. The primary objective of PDP is to impr...