ERIC Number: EJ1140619
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2222-1735
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Towards Improvement of Student Learning Outcomes: An Assessment of the Professional Development Needs of Lecturers at Kenyan Universities
NaliakaMukhale, Phoebe; Hong, Zhu
Journal of Education and Practice, v8 n12 p151-158 2017
The aim of this study was to explore the professional development needs of lecturers at Kenyan universities. Specifically, the study investigated the challenges that lecturers and their learners face while in class. It also explored the professional development needs of the lecturers, preferred modes of delivery of the professional development programs and changes that lecturers need to effect in their practice of teaching in order to improve student learning outcomes. The study was guided by two theories: Andragogy and Situated Cognition. The sample size comprised 15 lecturers from one public university in Kenya. Data was collected using the semi-structured interviews. Data was transcribed and analyzed using thematic coding including, four areas of professional development needs: pedagogy, subject matter, technology and research. The study found that in order to enhance student learning outcomes, lecturers need to adopt a more student-centered approach, embrace seminar way of teaching, use practical approaches, be ICT compliant and create and teach courses which offer learners significant learning experiences. The lecturers prefer both face-to-face and online as modes of delivery for professional development programs.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Faculty, Faculty Development, Educational Needs, Needs Assessment, Preferences, Andragogy, Cognitive Processes, Semi Structured Interviews, Coding, Student Centered Learning, Seminars, Teaching Methods, Information Technology, Blended Learning, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Knowledge Level, Teacher Researchers, Teacher Education, Qualitative Research
IISTE. No 1 Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong SAR. Tel: +852-39485948; e-mail: JEP@iiste.org; Web site: http://iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEP
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Kenya
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A