Ibrahim Gardner
Professional development is an important aspect of career growth and goal achievement. It involves learning and building practical skills that are applicable to specific career fields. Top universities around the world are increasingly focusing on professional development programmes to support teaching, research, and student learning. These programmes aim to address the changing needs of students and keep pace with advancements in technology. While some universities offer in-house opportunities, such as training sessions or mentoring programs, others provide online courses and workshops to enhance subject knowledge and teaching methodologies. Additionally, professional development can improve job satisfaction and productivity, making it beneficial for both individuals and employers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student-centred teaching | Critical thinking, communication, close reading, and substantive writing |
| Improving teaching quality | Rigorous academics and innovative teaching |
| Faculty professional development centres | Australian National University, London School of Economics and Political Science, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Hong Kong, University of Melbourne, University of Oxford, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh |
| Non-traditional areas | Role adaptation across different collegiate cultures |
| Teaching methodology | Technology use |
| Quality improvement | Quality assurance |
| Optimal technology delivery models | Academic excellence |
| Long-term approach | Continual improvement |
| Online courses | Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, The Teacher's Academy, Canvas Network, PBS LearningMedia |
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What You'll Learn
Critical thinking and communication skills
At its core, critical thinking involves a commitment to continual improvement. It requires individuals to develop their reasoning abilities and problem-solving capabilities. Universities facilitate this by offering long-term professional development programmes that provide resources and support to faculty members as they enhance their understanding of critical thinking. For instance, Surry Community College in the United States initiated a multi-faceted approach to institutional change, prioritising critical thinking and communication skills as key objectives.
Top universities often establish dedicated centres for professional development, offering an array of programmes to enhance teaching quality and student learning. For instance, the University of Melbourne in Australia, recognised for its comprehensive approach to institutional professional development, has a longstanding Centre for the Study of Higher Education. Similarly, the University of Pennsylvania offers online courses on "Understanding Classroom Interaction" through platforms like Coursera and edX, emphasising the importance of communication skills in the classroom setting.
The University of Oxford, another leading institution, exemplifies a focus on quality improvement and technology delivery models. Their professional development programmes likely emphasise critical thinking and communication skills as essential tools for both faculty and students to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving student needs.
Additionally, universities may offer workshops, consultations, and mentoring programmes to enhance critical thinking and communication skills. These sessions can provide structured frameworks, such as the Case Study Method, where students are presented with a case and must make decisions as problem solvers. This approach, highlighted by Hammond in 1976, fosters critical thinking and communication skills by placing individuals in decision-making roles.
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Student-centred teaching
Universities play a pivotal role in promoting student-centred teaching by investing in faculty professional development centres that offer a range of programmes to support teaching, research, and student learning. These centres provide resources and support to faculty members as they develop their instructional skills and adapt to different collegiate cultures.
For instance, the University of Melbourne in Australia, ranked highly worldwide, is known for its comprehensive approach to institutional professional development through its longstanding Centre for the Study of Higher Education. Additionally, universities can offer courses and workshops that enhance teachers' subject knowledge and pedagogical skills, such as "Understanding Classroom Interaction" offered by the University of Pennsylvania, or "Blended Learning: Personalizing Education for Students" by Silicon Schools Fund and Clayton Christensen Institute.
To further facilitate student-centred teaching, universities can encourage critical thinking and communication skills development among faculty. This involves providing training on fostering students' abilities to read closely and write substantively, as well as promoting peer coaching activities where teachers can observe and learn from their colleagues' classroom practices.
By embracing student-centred teaching, universities can empower students to take ownership of their learning and adapt to the evolving educational landscape. This approach ultimately contributes to enhancing student engagement, achievement, and overall educational outcomes.
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Role adaptation across collegiate cultures
University professors are increasingly required to perform obligatory activities in non-traditional areas, such as adapting their roles across different collegiate cultures. This shift in focus from the technical skills of effective teaching towards a discourse of community practice is an important aspect of the professional development of higher education faculty.
Collegiate cultures vary between institutions, and even between departments within the same institution. As such, professors must be adaptable and able to navigate these different cultures effectively. This may involve understanding and embracing the unique traditions, values, and practices of each collegiate culture, while also bringing a fresh perspective and driving change where needed.
For example, a professor moving from a traditional teacher-centred institution to a more progressive student-centred one would need to adapt their teaching methods to empower students as stakeholders in their education. This might involve fostering students' critical thinking and decision-making skills, rather than simply imparting knowledge.
To support professors in role adaptation, world-class universities often have faculty professional development centres offering a range of programmes to enhance teaching, research, and student learning. These centres provide resources, training, and support to help professors develop their understanding of teaching methodologies and adapt their roles to different collegiate cultures.
Additionally, universities may encourage professors to engage in independent learning, such as online courses offered by platforms like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn, or to participate in mentoring and peer coaching activities to observe and learn from their colleagues' approaches. By embracing these professional development opportunities, professors can enhance their teaching practices and improve student outcomes.
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Quality improvement and assurance
European universities, for instance, have recognised the importance of promoting student-centred teaching and improving teaching quality. Countries like Belgium, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have proactively supported high-quality, student-centred instruction. However, most European universities still adhere to a traditional teacher-centred approach.
To ensure quality improvement, universities may offer critical thinking training for faculty members. This training encourages a deep understanding of content and fosters students' abilities to read critically and write substantively. Additionally, universities can facilitate peer coaching activities, where teachers observe their colleagues' teaching methods and classroom management strategies.
Furthermore, top universities emphasise the importance of continuous learning and support for educators. This involves providing resources and expert consultation to enhance teaching methodologies and student outcomes. Universities may also encourage teachers to seek answers to their questions and concerns actively. Data-driven decisions, informed by student and teacher performance metrics, guide the focus areas and strategies for enhancing student learning.
While quality assurance traditionally involves teaching assessments, questionnaires, and performance indicators, universities are now exploring non-traditional areas such as role adaptation across different collegiate cultures. This shift ensures that faculty members possess the qualifications and skills necessary to deliver quality instruction.
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Technology use and delivery models
For example, universities may offer courses on blended learning, which combines traditional classroom instruction with online learning technologies to personalise education for students. Online platforms such as Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn provide university teachers with access to courses and resources from top universities and organisations worldwide, enabling them to develop their pedagogical skills and stay abreast of new technologies and practices.
Additionally, universities are recognising the importance of student engagement with technology. This includes encouraging the use of digital games to support student learning, as well as providing facilitated and self-paced online courses on various topics. Webinars, which offer flexibility and access to expertise from global educators, are also utilised.
Universities are also focusing on the professional development of their faculty, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to effectively integrate technology into their teaching. This includes training in areas such as role adaptation across different collegiate cultures and understanding the changing needs and expectations of students. By investing in the technological professional development of their faculty, universities aim to improve teaching quality and ultimately enhance student learning outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Professional development is learning that leads to education in a specific professional career field or builds practical job-applicable skills. It is used to earn or maintain professional credentials such as certifications or degrees. It can range from a single workshop to a semester-long academic course.
Professional development helps students advance their careers by honing existing skills and learning new ones. It can help students stand out in a pool of applicants and signal to employers that they are open to new experiences and enthusiastic about growing.
Top universities have faculty professional development centres that offer an array of professional development programmes to support teaching, research, and student learning. These programmes can include workshops, academic courses, and online courses. Some universities also offer critical thinking training for faculty and leadership training.
Some examples of professional development programmes at top universities include "Foundations of Teaching for Learning" by the Commonwealth Education Trust, "Understanding Classroom Interaction" by the University of Pennsylvania, and "Blended Learning: Personalizing Education for Students" by Silicon Schools Fund and Clayton Christensen Institute.
