University teachers as versatile masters: Evaluating the effectiveness of a professional development programme on student-centred teaching competencies

Abstract

In the ever-changing higher education climate, university teachers often rely on traditional, teacher-centred educational practices. While universities worldwide attempt to improve teaching quality by investing in professional development, many university teachers do not receive formal teaching training – even though teaching is often the largest part of their job responsibility. This study explores the effects of an evidence-based professional development programme dealing with student-centred, active learning on the teaching competencies of university teachers. A total of 189 Polish university teachers participated in a five-day study visit at Ghent University (Belgium). The university teachers were invited to complete a pre- and post-questionnaire. The results reveal that, after the study visit, the participants do not only feel more capable in their roles as (a) educational designer, (b) classroom manager, (c) assessor, (d) educational technologist, (e) differentiator, (f) lifelong learner/innovator, and (g) quality guard, but also effectively plan to change their behaviour regarding these roles and believe significantly more in their importance. The results show that professionalisation initiatives have the potential to change university teachers’ behaviour, capabilities and beliefs concerning more student-centred teaching for the better. The article concludes, however, by implying that contextual factors, such as the institution’s professionalisation policy, too impact the success of professional development initiatives.