Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

27-30 September 1999

Traversing the Abyss - an exploration of how to engage professionals in the
process of development

Mr Andrew Scown

Senior Lecturer - Educational Leadership and Management, RMIT

Dr Grace Lynch

Manager of Quality Programs, RMIT

Abstract

The process of professional development for educators challenges us to explore new literacies (or at least to re-interpret current understandings) of what it means to develop as a professional.

Contexted in the changing nature of academic work, this paper outlines one approach to professional development offered to staff working in the Vocational Educational and Training Sector at a large University of Technology.

Through engaging with 30 VET teachers undertaking a professional development program the authors have been keen to explore the following questions:

What are the driving forces that assist the development of professionals?

What forces restrain such development?

How do we traverse the abyss that these challenges create?

This paper will be of interest to participants who work in the areas of leadership and management (regardless of what sector) and who have an interest in facilitating a culture of change and development in the workplace.

Paper 45 minutes