Prospects and Challenges towards Professional Development of English Lecturers in Islamic Tertiary Education in Indonesia

Abstract

Teaching is a complex career in which teachers and those involved in teaching are required to engage in professional development programs to improve teaching competences and guarantee effective teaching. This qualitative case study interviewed top management in higher education institutions and thirty lecturers from three universities. Findings generated through in-depth interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) suggesting several strategies taken and programs joint by English lecturers to improve their professional competences. Some of the strategies taken by university management are improving qualification through doctorate programs, article publications, peer discussions, reviews of journal articles, exploration of educational websites, and joining professional associations. In addition, there are some other programs engaged by lecturers, such as international conferences, workshops, and research projects. In addition, lecturers reported that they improved teaching awareness and became better scholars, allowing them to self-correct their own mistakes. Finally, this study also found that institutional supports are obvious in some universities, while in some others are still lacking.