LECTURER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (Case studies in three state-owned colleges in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia)

Abstract

This study is aimed at investigating policy, design, implementation, evaluation,
and supporting as well as discouraging factors which inhibit the lecturers’ competence
development in three state-owned colleges in Bandung, West Java, indonesia. The study
also attempts to propose a model for lecturer professional competency development. The
study reveals that policy and development programs towards the betterment of lecturer
professional competency exist in the three institutions. Programs for lecturer competency
development are generally in line with the so called Strategic Plans of the Faculty or
Department and are based mainly on the internal conditions of the institutions. The
programs, are, among others, support for lecturers’ further study (Master’s or Doctoral
program at home or overseas), or participation in short courses, academic activities
such as discussion, seminars, workshops, and individual studies through various kinds
of research. Those activities are useful for the lecturers to enhance their professional
competencies, including pedagogic, professional, personal, and social competencies.
The study also suggests that in implementing these programs, there are some factors
which support as well as those which hinder the realisation of the programs. Supporting
factors include development projects funded by the Ministry of Education, grants offered
by the institution in collaboration with the lecturer development program, supports
from the units within the institution, and the lecturers’ motivation to enhance their own
competency on their own expense. Meanwhile, hindrances include the very limited
number of opportunities given to the lecturers to participate in different activities that can
promote their professional competencies, limited financial support from the Ministries,
and work load.
Key words: Lecturer Professional Development, higher education