Reimagining faculty development

A paradigm shift from content to transformative learning processes

Bibliographic Data

ID21448485
AuthorsBalakrishnan Nair (0000-0002-9100-4298, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle), Jane Bleasel (0000-0002-5897-0486, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle), Felista Mwangi (0000-0002-4095-3098, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle), Bunmi S Malau-Aduli (0000-0001-6054-8498, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume47
Issue6
Pages976-984
Publication date2025-06-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMedical Teacher (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0142-159X • E-ISSN: 1466-187X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0142159x.2024.2390035
PMID39154226
OpenAlexW4401671392
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited28

BACKGROUND: Faculty development programs in health professional education traditionally emphasise theories, principles, and effective teaching practices. However, the efficacy of these strategies in instigating meaningful changes in instructional practices has come under scrutiny. METHODS: This qualitative research aims to enhance our understanding and support of educators' ongoing learning and growth. Employing a transformative learning lens, the study explored the experiences, professional development practices, and responsibilities of clinical educators who participated in a faculty development course. Utilising Mezirow's transformative learning theory as a framework, this research investigated the transformative journey of educators, analysing reflective pieces from 144 participants. RESULTS: The study findings revealed shifts in pedagogical approaches, ranging from the recognition of a haphazard teaching style to the intentional integration of evidence-based methods and pedagogical philosophies. The thematic analysis identified key stages in the transformative process, illuminating educators' commitment to structured teaching, self-directed learning, and continuous improvement. CONCLUSION: This research has contributed valuable insights into how faculty development programs can stimulate reflective practices and transformative learning in health professional education. The article argues for the centrality of transformative learning processes in faculty development, presenting an intriguing perspective on sustainable and impactful professional growth. Trends across learning experiences are presented, accompanied by practical recommendations. The implications of the research for clinical educators, administrators, and developers of formal faculty professional development programs are also discussed

Content (measure theory) · Engineering ethics · Faculty Development · Medical education · Pedagogy · Political science · Professional development · Scrutiny · Sociology · Transformative learning · Adult and Continuing Education Topics · Innovations in Medical Education · Medicine · Nursing education and management · Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access