Personal Reflections on the Importance of Continuing Professional Development for Teaching Staff in Private Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

This reflective paper considers the importance of continuing professional development at all stages of a teacher’s career and at all levels of education. The author uses her career in Traveller Education in England as a case study. She describes how action research played a large part in the development of a distance learning scheme for fairground children. Analysis of the challenges presented by the scheme resulted in further research into the development of independence in the learner and the recognition of the need for teachers and teacher educators to use active learning methodologies and to have professional development opportunities to develop these skills. The author draws parallels with her work in Ethiopia between 2002 and 2004 on the TESO programme, where in a different context there are similar issues. Here too, she makes the case for encouraging student centered teaching and continuing professional development in Higher Education Institutions. Finally, particular importance is given to peer discussion within the process of professional development, which will lead to greater quality assurance.