Attitude and Perception towards Professional Development Activities among Academic Staff of Health Sector Faculties in University of Gezira

Dr. Sawsan Ahmed Omer; Prof. Osman Khalfalla Saeed; Dr. Mogahid Abdelrhman Yousif; Dr.Adelhameed Hassan Elmubarak; Dr.Mouda abdelhamid Hassan

Volume : V, Issue : IV, April - 2016

Attitude and Perception towards Professional Development Activities among Academic Staff of Health Sector Faculties in University of Gezira

Dr. Sawsan Ahmed Omer, Prof. Osman Khalfalla Saeed, Dr. Mogahid Abdelrhman Yousif, Dr. Adelhameed Hassan Elmubarak, Dr. Mouda Abdelhamid Hassan

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;Professional development sustains staff competence through continuing improvement of knowledge, skills and performance. Notable improvements in education almost never take place in the absence of continuing professional development (CPD). The aim of this study is to assess attitude and perception of the academic staff of health sector faculties at Elrazi campus in University of Gezira towards professional development activities. It was a descriptive exploratory, cross-sectional, study including all the academic staff of health sector faculties at Elrazi campus in Wad-Medani city, University of Gezira. Questionnaire was designed to include, personal data, interest and motivation for CPD, internet services, cause of promotion and work-overload. Questions about different activities of CPD were included, e.g. number of courses or workshops being attended, research conduction over the past four years, and reading of scientific journals, and facilitation of these activities. It was found that, almost all teachers (96%) were interested in CPD. Over half (53%) of the academic staff attended more than 6 courses or workshops about CPD, 47% of the staff members preferred combined experts facilitator from the institute and from outside for CPD courses/workshops. These courses/workshops were facilitated by the university according to 72% of the staff members. 69% of the staff members admitted that, the university did not facilitate or support researches; as they expected despite this 62.5% of the staff members conducted a research over the past four years and 45% of the staff members had been promoted because of research. Only 45% of the staff read scientific journals regularly. Commitment and support from administrators is vital for success of CPD activities.</p>