RESHAPING HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR ACADEMIC DEVELOPERS

Academic development professionals bring a diverse range of academic identities to the field of academic development in higher education. With each identity comes a unique set of skills, experiences, qualifications and perspectives on academic development. It is important to recognise the diverse range of perspectives that academic developers bring to the table but we also need to consider quality assurance in the design and delivery of academic development programs in higher education. Therefore, it also becomes very important that academic developers revisit their notions, approaches and perspectives on academic development on a regular basis. This is an imperative because academic developers continue to shape and reshape higher education through their significant engagement with all levels of staff. The changing nature of the academic development landscape in Australia and abroad makes it imperative for academic developers to equip themselves with the relevant skills to enhance teaching and learning in a diverse and complex higher education environment.

The paper will generate discussion on the responsibility of academic development professionals to develop their own academic development skills through commitment to ongoing professional academic development programs and scholarship activities. It encourages participants to engage in critical reflection and discussion on their roles as academic developers. More specifically, it examines issues related to the accountability and responsibility of academic development professionals to upgrade their skills and qualifications. The paper also challenges notions of individual and collective academic engagement and scholarship through self-reflection of personal teaching philosophies and practices. Finally, participants will identify relevant topics and models for ongoing professional development.