Last updated on Jun 26, 2024

What are the best resources and tools for faculty development?

Faculty development is the process of enhancing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of faculty members to improve their performance and satisfaction in teaching, research, and service. It is a crucial component of academic excellence and innovation, as well as a means of supporting faculty well-being and retention. However, finding the best resources and tools for faculty development can be challenging, given the diversity of disciplines, contexts, and needs of faculty members. In this article, we will explore some of the best resources and tools for faculty development, based on the following criteria: relevance, accessibility, quality, and impact.

1 Online courses and programs

One of the best ways to learn new concepts, methods, and practices in faculty development is to enroll in online courses and programs that are designed for higher education professionals. Online courses and programs offer flexibility, convenience, and affordability, as well as the opportunity to interact with peers and experts from different institutions and countries. Some examples of online courses and programs for faculty development are: Coursera's Learning to Teach Online, edX's University Teaching, and FutureLearn's Blended and Online Learning Design.

Add your perspective

Ray Casserly

Leading International Education Expert in Academic Program Development
Report contribution
If you are currently a faculty member teaching within the broader family of business disciplines at an accredited institution, join the Harvard Business Review community for no-cost access to live webinars exploring all aspects and levels of pedagogy in higher level education. Additionally, explore the resources available there for purchase and use when teaching using the case method.

Like
Pat James

Online Teacher, Administrator, and Consultant
Report contribution
One of our California Community Colleges' go-to professional development resources is the @ONE project. HTTP://onlinenetworkofeducators.org. Pat

Like
Ania Halama

Founder & CEO of Xpansion Alchemy ✨ I empower professionals to overcome limits, align with purpose, and boost productivity through mindfulness and holistic mentorship, creating thriving and resilient workplaces.
Report contribution
Diving into online courses for faculty development is like joining a virtual book club for educators. Instead of discussing the latest bestseller, you're exploring new teaching tricks and swapping classroom hacks. It's as flexible as a yoga class - you can tune in from your couch or favorite coffee shop. Picture yourself video chatting with a professor from across the globe, sharing ideas like you're passing notes in class. Maybe you're taking a course on flipping your classroom or jazzing up your online lectures. It's like having a backstage pass to the world's best teaching methods, all from the comfort of your laptop. Plus, you might make some cool teacher friends along the way - your own global faculty squad!

Like
Oludare O Eniwaye
Report contribution
One thing I found is to be at the center of planning, organizing conferences for a professional organization to which you are a member.To that end, you are abreast of new information to enhance your relevance.

Like

2 Professional associations and networks

Another valuable resource for faculty development is to join professional associations and networks that are related to your discipline, field, or interest. Professional associations and networks provide access to journals, newsletters, webinars, conferences, workshops, and mentoring programs that can help you stay updated on the latest trends, research, and best practices in your area. They also offer a platform for networking, collaboration, and recognition among your peers and colleagues. Some examples of professional associations and networks for faculty development are: POD Network, ACUE, and ISSOTL.

Add your perspective

Maria Gallardo-Williams

Associate Director of Faculty Development - Office for Faculty Excellence - NC State University
Report contribution
Most of us pay dues to our professional associations, but don't take full advantage of their services. Make sure to use the resources at your disposal in your field to connect with like-minded colleagues, and to grow your network. In addition to your own field of study, umbrella organizations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) or the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) or their local equivalents in your country can be helpful partners in your own professional development.

Like

3 Blogs and podcasts

If you prefer more informal and engaging ways of learning and sharing about faculty development, you can follow blogs and podcasts that cover topics such as teaching strategies, curriculum design, assessment, feedback, student engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Blogs and podcasts are easy to access, consume, and comment on, and they often feature stories, insights, and tips from experienced and innovative faculty members and educators. Some examples of blogs and podcasts for faculty development are: Faculty Focus, Teaching in Higher Ed, and The Cult of Pedagogy.

Add your perspective

4 Books and guides

Sometimes, nothing beats reading a good book or guide that offers comprehensive and practical advice on how to improve your teaching and learning skills. Books and guides can help you deepen your understanding of the theories, principles, and frameworks that underpin effective faculty development, as well as provide you with examples, case studies, and exercises that you can apply to your own context. Some examples of books and guides for faculty development are: McKeachie's Teaching Tips, The Online Teaching Survival Guide, and Teaching for Learning.

Add your perspective

5 Self-assessment tools

Finally, one of the best tools for faculty development is to use self-assessment tools that can help you reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and progress as a faculty member. Self-assessment tools can help you identify your areas of improvement, plan your professional development activities, monitor your achievements, and celebrate your successes. They can also help you solicit feedback from your students, colleagues, and supervisors, and use it to enhance your teaching and learning outcomes. Some examples of self-assessment tools for faculty development are: Teaching Perspectives Inventory, Teaching Goals Inventory, and Feedback Studio.

Add your perspective

6 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?

Add your perspective

What are the best resources and tools for faculty development?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Online courses and programs

2 Professional associations and networks

3 Blogs and podcasts

4 Books and guides

5 Self-assessment tools

6 Here’s what else to consider

Faculty Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Faculty Development

More relevant reading