What are the latest trends in faculty development?

1 Online and Blended Learning

One of the most prominent trends in faculty development is the shift to online and blended learning, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online and blended learning refers to the use of digital technologies and platforms to deliver, support, and enhance teaching and learning, either fully or partially. Online and blended learning can offer many benefits, such as increased accessibility, flexibility, personalization, and engagement, but it also poses some challenges, such as technical issues, pedagogical adaptation, and social interaction. Therefore, faculty development programs need to provide educators with the necessary skills, tools, and strategies to design, implement, and evaluate effective online and blended courses, as well as to facilitate online communities of practice and collaboration.

2 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Another important trend in faculty development is the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education. DEI refers to the recognition, respect, and support of the diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of students, educators, and other stakeholders in the educational process. DEI also involves addressing the systemic barriers, biases, and inequalities that affect access, participation, and outcomes in education. Faculty development programs need to help educators understand the concepts and principles of DEI, as well as to apply them in their teaching practices, curricula, assessments, and interactions. Moreover, faculty development programs need to foster a culture of DEI within the educational institutions, by promoting dialogue, awareness, and action among all members of the educational community.

3 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

A third trend in faculty development is the growth of scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). SoTL is a form of academic inquiry that involves investigating, reflecting on, and disseminating the evidence and insights related to teaching and learning in various disciplines and contexts. SoTL can help educators improve their teaching practices, enhance student learning outcomes, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in education. Faculty development programs need to encourage and support educators to engage in SoTL activities, such as conducting research, publishing articles, presenting at conferences, and participating in networks and communities of SoTL practitioners. Furthermore, faculty development programs need to recognize and reward SoTL as a valuable and legitimate form of scholarship and professional development.

4 Mentoring and Coaching

A fourth trend in faculty development is the increasing use of mentoring and coaching as effective forms of professional learning and support. Mentoring and coaching are collaborative processes that involve a more experienced or skilled person (the mentor or coach) providing guidance, feedback, and encouragement to a less experienced or skilled person (the mentee or coachee) to help them achieve their goals and overcome their challenges. Mentoring and coaching can offer many benefits, such as enhancing confidence, motivation, performance, and satisfaction, as well as fostering relationships, networks, and communities of practice. Faculty development programs need to provide opportunities and resources for educators to participate in mentoring and coaching programs, either as mentors or coaches, or as mentees or coachees, or both. Additionally, faculty development programs need to train and prepare educators to be effective mentors and coaches, as well as to evaluate and improve their mentoring and coaching practices.

5 Mindfulness and Well-Being

A fifth trend in faculty development is the recognition and promotion of mindfulness and well-being in education. Mindfulness and well-being refer to the awareness and cultivation of positive mental, emotional, physical, and social states and practices that can enhance the quality of life and work of educators and students. Mindfulness and well-being can help educators cope with stress, burnout, and anxiety, as well as to improve their focus, creativity, and resilience. Faculty development programs need to introduce and integrate mindfulness and well-being concepts and practices into their curricula and activities, such as meditation, yoga, breathing, gratitude, and self-care. Moreover, faculty development programs need to create and sustain a supportive and healthy environment and culture for educators and students, by providing resources, services, and policies that foster mindfulness and well-being.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?