Professional Development Activities of Lecturers: An Action Research

Authors : Kıymet Soyata, Aysel Ateş

Pages : 312-334

Doi:10.38151/akef.2024.145

View : 141 | Download : 107

Publication Date : 2024-09-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This action research was designed to examine the professional development program (PDP) of lecturers and the effects of the program’s processes on educational administrators and lecturers. The study involved 2 administrators and 10 lecturers from an English preparatory school at a private university in Istanbul. During the program, to gather insights into the achievements, challenges, and suggestions related to the program, semi-structured one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with administrators and lecturers, alongside the use of reflective journals and observation forms. Content analysis was employed to analyze the data. Education administrators believe that the PDP enhanced internal communication within the organization, provided insights into organizational functioning, fostered the adoption of student-centered teaching methods, and contributed to the personal development of lecturers through self-criticism and increased self-confidence. Lecturers highlighted benefits such as experience sharing, critical thinking enhancement, student-centered teaching integration, and improved teaching skills. Time management is a common challenge for both administrators and lecturers, with the added concern among lecturers about being perceived as ineffective by students during teaching observations. In light of the findings, it is recommended to tailor activities to lecturers’ needs, offer a flexible program structure, and provide support mechanisms to help lecturers cope. Future research might involve larger samples and explore emotional states and challenges independently.
Keywords : Mesleki Gelişim, Öğretim Görevlileri, Eğitim Yöneticileri, Eylem Araştırması

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