Professional Development as Adult Learning:

 

An International Study of Effective Theory and Practice in

Institutions of Higher Education in the UK, US, and Canada

 

Dr. Patricia Lawler, Widener University and Dr. Kathleen King, Fordham University, began an international research study of professional development theory and practice in January 2002. This web page provides a brief abstract of the research intent. If you would like more information please contact any of us via the information below.

 

Introductory Abstract

While there is ample research on effective principles and practices of adult education and their effectiveness, there is very little research on the theoretical foundations used in the planning, delivery and evaluation of faculty development initiatives and a paucity of data from an adult education perspective. Lawler and King (2000) in Planning for Effective Faculty Development: Using Adult Learning Strategies, found an important need for research in this area. If adult learning principles and practices can effectively enhance faculty development, it is imperative that good research results are available to guide those responsible for program initiatives.

The purpose of this research is to fill this gap in research regarding program effectiveness and theoretical foundations in faculty development programs in the US, UK and Canada. Using surveys, observations and in-depth interviews, the researchers will seek to answer the following questions

  1. What theories guide faculty developers in the design, development and delivery of their professional development initiatives?
  2. What model(s), if any, guides them in their practice?
  3. What do faculty developers consider best practices in designing, developing and delivering faculty development initiatives?
  4. How do faculty developers measure the effectiveness of their initiatives?
  5. Are there any significant differences between programs in the US and those in the UK?

 

 

For more information about this research project or to participate in the study please contact any of us:

Dr. Patricia Lawler, Professor

Widener University, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013-5772

Email: Patricia.A.Lawler@Widener.edu

Web Page: http://muse.widener.edu/~pal0001/patspage.htm

Dr. Kathleen King, Professor

Fordham University, 113 W. 60th St., Rm 1102, New York, NY 10023

Email: Kpking@Fordham.edu

Web Page: http://www.fordham.edu/gse/kpking

 

 

Lawler, P., & King, K. P. (2000). Planning for Effective Faculty Development: Using Adult Learning Strategies. Melbourne, FL: Krieger.

 

 

Last updated: 10/12/03

© 2002, Patricia A. Lawler & Kathleen P. King, All rights reserved.