Teachers’ perceptions of a short course on faculty development
Abstract
Background: Developing a cadre of competent teachers for their roles in medical education requires faculty development. Khyber Medical University (KMU) has developed a Certificate in Health Professions Education Programme (CHPE), as introductory-level teaching qualification for teachers from all disciplines of health sciences. The two months course has two contact sessions of four days each.
Aim: The study determines the perceptions of the course participants about the benefits and quality of the programme to bring further improvements.
Methodology: A quantitative, cross sectional study was conducted on the participants enrolled for the programme during 2012-2014 sessions. Five batches, including 80 participants, completed the course. An evaluation questionnaire was filled by the participants at the end of the course. Information about teaching methods, programme content, communication skills, assessment tools and participants’ opinion about the effectiveness of the programme was collected.
Results: The participants consisted of 53 males (66.3%) and 27 females (33.7%).  Over  93% and 84% participants expressed improvement in teaching and communication skills respectively. Over 80% agreed that their understanding of assessment techniques improved. More than 90% agreed that they were satisfied from the course experience.
Conclusion: Participants had high satisfaction with the course. They found the course relevant to their personal development and professional needs. Â Medical universities and colleges should introduce training programmes to develop basic teaching skills of the teachers.
Key Words: health professions education, faculty development, continuing professional development.
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