Abstract:

The primary goal of this study was to determine the professional competencies of lecturers at a private higher education institute in South Africa. To achieve this goal, three objectives were formulated. Firstly, to do an in-depth literature review on the professional competencies of lecturers in higher education in defining and discussing related concepts and theories on the topic. Secondly, to determine the professional competencies of lecturers at a private higher education institute in South Africa through a quantitative survey method using a self-developed questionnaire. Lastly, to identify findings, conclusions and make recommendations regarding the professional competencies of lecturers for the private higher education institute in South Africa based on the results obtained from the quantitative research.

The first objective was achieved by conducting a literature study. The literature discussed the relationship between competencies, knowledge, and skills of lecturers, whereafter the professional competencies of lecturers were explored. Competency models were compared to highlight important competencies that lecturers should have to be successful in their job and deliver quality teaching and learning at the institute. The literature study concluded with a description of the importance of lecturer development and that lecturers should continuously develop and improve their professional competencies to stay up to date with changes in teaching practices and industry approaches.

Achieving the second objective entailed using a self-developed questionnaire administered through Google Forms in February 2022. Descriptive data analyses were subsequently conducted on the collected data. The results indicated the professional competencies of lecturers at the private higher education institute. The results also indicated professional competencies the lecturers had to improve or develop, as well as ways how they prefer to develop their lecturer competencies.

The third objective, to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the results of the study, indicated that this study contributed to the development of lecturers in higher education in enhancing their professional lecturer competencies for job success. It was also evident that lecturers should be able to identify their development needs to be a professional lecturer and be competent in what they do. Future research should be conducted at other private higher education institutes to enable comparative studies and get a deeper understanding of the professional competencies of lecturers within the higher education sector in South Africa.

Determining the professional competencies of lecturers has, therefore, proved useful to comprehensively evaluate the competencies of lecturers at the selected private higher education institute under review and particularly as the institute is seeking to enhance its teaching and learning delivery for student success.

Keywords:

Lecturer competencies, private higher education, private higher education institutes.