Leadership and Professional Development: A Continuing Staff Development Programme for Self Improvement and Lifelong Learning

By Asenath J. Sigot Western University College of Sci. and Tech. Kakamega, Kenya

Presented at Regional Eastern Africa REAL Conference/Workshop on Quality Assurance in Higher Education at Kenyatta University 5th 11th November, 2006
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Presentation Outline
Introduction The Context The Main Concepts Staff Development Course Concluding Remarks References

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Introduction I
Universities need to; offer staff opportunities for professional development, self improvement and lifelong learning. seek to develop a continuing professional development ethos Conduct self assessment and appraisal of progress in the areas of teaching, learning, research and outreach. motivate staff and students to engage in lifelong learning, self improvement and management of change
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Introduction II
A staff development course is designed to; enhance essential leadership skills and professional development Inspire and motivate staff to respond effectively to change Improve individual performance and release potential in improving teaching, research and organizational structure build a culture of excellence and continuous self improvement in order to sustain capacity for continuous learning.
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The Context
Higher Education (HE) institutions staff development programmes are expected to; Ensure that professional standards for teaching and learning are met Foster scholarly nature of subject enquiry and knowledge creation, and scholarly approach to pedagogy.
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Aims of Staff Development I

Staff development in HE institutions must aim to act as: An enabling mechanism to support leadership and professional development of staff. A means by which professional approaches to supporting student learning can be fostered through continuous development. A means of demonstrating to all stakeholders the professionalism that staff bring to the student learning experiences
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Aims of Staff Development II

A means to support consistency and quality of the student learning experiences and enhancement of professional practice A commitment to continuing professional development and development of learning communities A commitment to integrate research, scholarship and teaching/professional practice Support for mentoring and leading individuals and/or teams for self improvement and lifelong learning opportunities.
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Some Major Concerns

Commitment to the creation and dissemination of knowledge in a community of higher learning. Strive for profound learning and high quality competence based on insight Making difficult choices that change always demand All are centered on continued staff development on leadership, self improvement, and lifelong learning
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The Main Concepts

1. Leadership - Must posses a wide range of competencies in order to engage at all levels of teaching and learning. - Inspire, influence, and motivate students and colleagues to greater success. Enable staff to become leadership role models Develop inspirational leadership behaviors
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2. Continuing Professional Development

Designed to enhance competence of staff in their primary role To update, and enhance teaching and learning skills Working as a team with a shared vision, and provisions for growth that match professional needs.

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3. Staff Development
Implies capacity building to improve competencies Prerequisite for quality assurance of learning Powerful mechanism for growth and expertise and ultimately for positive change in HE Enhancement of professional needs as well as total development of staff Process of improving staff capabilities to enable them to deal efficiently with new and continuing responsibilities
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4. Self Development
Helps one develop a way of reprogramming their brain utilizing the principles of emotional intelligence and Brain-based learning Changing perception of life will help us raise our performance levels Our current performance is constructed out of the millions of words and events that we have experienced in our personal history. We cannot change the past programming by following the same rules that programmed it in the first place. Sigot, Staff Dev. Course- 2006 5/19/2013 12

5. Personal Development Planning

A structured process that is integral to higher level learning Learning in a holistic sense that is self sustaining Involves self reflection, creation of personal records, planning and monitoring process towards achievement of personal objectives

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Personal Development Cont.

Personal development enables one to: Become more effective, independent and confident selfdirected learner, Relate learning to a wider context Improve general skills for study and career development Articulate personal goals and evaluate progress towards their achievement Encourage a positive attitude to learning throughout life Relate to the qualities, skills, capacities and behaviors that underlie the notion of reflective and planned selfdetermination and self improvement
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6. Self Improvement
It is a wretched taste to be gratified with mediocrity when the
excellent lies before us
Isaac Disraeli

A journey of continual self discovery and improvement rather than leading towards a predetermined final destination. Not about simply applying yourself to a strict regime of disciplined effort for a short time. It is more of re-engineering, re-organizing, and reprioritizing predominant thought processes Creating a series of mind sets in accord with desired needs
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7. Self Awareness
When we are not aware of who we are, we move through life on automatic. We live by habit, reacting unconsciously to people and events around us. We let others tell us what to do. When we discover how to be aware and conscious, we take charge. We unlock our innate inner wisdom!
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8. Lifelong Learning I
The concept of lifelong learning is grounded in the four pillars of education; Learning to know Learning to do Learning to live together and Learning to be

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Lifelong Learning II
Holistic learning for life and work A form of learning that occurs throughout life and that is important for self improvement Aims to improve the motivation for continued learning Staff needs to participate in the knowledge economy, hence the need to update their skills continuously
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Proposed Staff Development Course

Founded on the belief that increased self awareness will help individuals to operate more effectively in a rapidly changing environment. The most effective vehicle for development is that work for which an individual is personally responsible for. Course participants will be offered information and support to create and action a self improvement plan designed to help progress and achieve their personal development goals.
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Key Aims of the Course

i) To support and develop creative ideas that motivate and inspire effective leadership ii) To inspire personal and professional development iii) To provide continuing staff development, through self improvement and lifelong learning.

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Target
Staff who want to enhance essential leadership skills so as to influence and motivate other staff and students to achieve greater success Staff wishing to improve their personal, professional, academic and career goals Staff who wish to enhance competence and confidence in teaching, managerial and research Staff who desire guidance to continually develop their professional knowledge, positive attitudes, and personal attributes

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Course Objectives
Provide opportunities for continued education and personal growth in course of contributing to intellectual inquiry and creative development in the wider world Grow staff members who are excellent teachers, active scholars, researchers, and creative artists Develop staff members who will be responsible, informed citizens and prepared for lifes challenges Focus on learning as a lifetime opportunity Encourage personal initiative for achievement of self development and self improvement
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Course Benefits
Closer and better working relationship amongst the staff Better quality teaching and learning using appropriate technology Meaningful education and work with opportunities for personal development, individual achievement and appropriate recognition Empowerment of staff who are motivated to contribute positively to university learning experiences Increased confidence to make the right choices
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Key Course Principles

Support for the achievement of personal goals An environment where open and honest feedback is central to personal improvement and growth Building self owned leadership development profiles Developing colleague support, trust and open communication Making a personal difference and institution difference in the work place

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Course Content
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Learning skills Communication skills Personal and Social Development Leadership Development National, and International Appreciation Culture and Spirituality

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Course Assignments and Projects

1. Personal Development Portfolio 2. Self Improvement Contract 3. Action Research Project Different starting points of individuals: A basic non-accredited route that leads to a certificate of attendance An optional accredited route that leads to an educational qualification
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Concluding Remarks

An environment that fosters continuous self improvement will help staff attain personal fulfillment, success and true happiness
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Combining scholarship, creative activity and learning in curricular in a personal, highly interactive environment, combined with unrelenting quest for quality and excellence, defines the excellent university and sets it apart

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Universities must thrive to provide an environment that celebrates diversity, respects differences and encourages all members to achieve their potential

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Asante

Sana

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