A professional development needs assessment of private post-secondary business career instructors

Ackerman, Sally Donna (1996) A professional development needs assessment of private post-secondary business career instructors. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

In this study, the Delphi technique was used to identify and prioritize the professional development needs of instructors responsible for the delivery of user-pay business career programs in the province's private post-secondary school industry. The study sought to describe (a) the ways in which the professional development needs of these instructors may be met, (b) the types of professional development activities in which private post-secondary business career instructors participate, (c) the professional development activities judged by instructors as being most beneficial and meaningful, and (d) the role of the administration of private post-secondary schools in helping instructors achieve professional growth. -- The Delphi process utilized in this qualitative research involved two rounds of data collection. The first round questionnaire was exploratory in nature, consisting of open-ended questions. Round Two items, which were fed back to the Delphi panel for assessment and reaction, were derived from the information obtained from the first round questionnaire. Round One resulted in a response rate of 68.75%; a response rate of 62.5% was obtained for Round Two. -- Results of the study indicated that private post-secondary business career instructors required professional development activities that satisfy general role-related, role-specific, interpersonal, and personal growth needs. -- The general role-related needs identified were the acquisition of additional teaching methods and strategies, academic credentials, and current resource materials. Keeping abreast of changes in industry and computer training were the principal role-specific needs that were identified. Interpersonal development needs included motivational and student management skills. In the area of personal professional development, teaching skills compatible with the requirements of other provinces were identified.

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