prof. sigot

04/17/23 Sigot, Staff Dev. Course- 2006 1

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


Presentation Outline

IntroductionThe ContextThe Main ConceptsStaff Development CourseConcluding RemarksReferences


Introduction IUniversities 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


Introduction IIA 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.


The Context

Higher Education (HE) institution’s 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.


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


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.


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


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


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.


3. Staff Development

Implies capacity building to improve competenciesPrerequisite for quality assurance of learningPowerful mechanism for growth and expertise and

ultimately for positive change in HEEnhancement of professional needs as well as total

development of staffProcess of improving staff capabilities to enable them

to deal efficiently with new and continuing responsibilities


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.


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


Personal Development Cont.Personal development enables one to:• Become more effective, independent and confident self-

directed 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 self-determination and self improvement


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 re-prioritizing predominant thought processes

Creating a series of mind sets in accord with desired needs


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!


8. Lifelong Learning I

The concept of lifelong learning is grounded in the four pillars of education;

Learning to knowLearning to doLearning to live together andLearning to be


Lifelong Learning II

Holistic learning for life and workA form of learning that occurs throughout life

and that is important for self improvementAims to improve the motivation for continued

learningStaff needs to participate in the knowledge

economy, hence the need to update their skills continuously


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.


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.


TargetStaff 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


Course ObjectivesProvide 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 life’s challenges

Focus on learning as a lifetime opportunityEncourage personal initiative for achievement of self

development and self improvement


Course BenefitsCloser and better working relationship amongst the

staffBetter quality teaching and learning using appropriate

technologyMeaningful 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


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


Course Content

1. Learning skills

2. Communication skills

3. Personal and Social Development

4. Leadership Development

5. National, and International Appreciation

6. Culture and Spirituality


Course Assignments and Projects

1. Personal Development Portfolio2. Self Improvement Contract3. 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


Concluding Remarks

An environment that fosters continuous self improvement will help staff attain personal fulfillment, success and true happiness


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


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


Asante

Sana

prof. sigot

Documents

staff development iia

continued staff development

staff opportunities

continuous development

continuous learning

profound learning

community of higher

continuous self improvement