Enhancing the effectiveness of administrative support for learning and teaching using workplace projects in lower-income countries.

• Ian Willis ^[1] ; Brian Jennings ^[2]
  1. [1] University of Liverpool

     University of Liverpool

     Reino Unido

     
  2. [2] Ghana Christian University College

     Ghana Christian University College

     Ghana

     
• Localización: Innovations in education and teaching international, ISSN 1470-3297, Vol. 57, Nº 1, 2020, págs. 4-15
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Middle-level administrators in African universities are often under-utilised in terms of their contribution to the administrative support for learning and teaching. They also have little access to professional development. This paper presents the findings of a study to develop a programme to enable these administrators to enhance their support for learning and teaching in their institutions. Following a selection process based on their own universities and programme workshop sessions, participants carry out projects to ‘make a difference’ to administrative effectiveness. Analysis of project reports and participant interviews shows that the projects had a real impact, and this remains ongoing in many cases. The programme design is evaluated, and key elements highlighted: a locally based selection process; international accreditation; a strength-based approach and authentic assessment involving a workplace project and reflection on learning. Educators who work in similar ‘lower-income country’ contexts may find it constructive to make comparisons with their own experiences.