A needs assessment for faculty development at two medical colleges of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi

Abstract

Objective:To identify the perceptions of the faculty about their current level of pedagogical skills and their desire to improve these skills in future.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted at two medical colleges of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi from March 1, 2015 to April 30, 2015. A re-validated questionnaire was used comprising three parts; 1) Demographic details, 2) Fifteen educational domains each having 2 statements, first indicating minimum knowledge of domain and second showing maximum. Each statement had two 9-point anchored scales, first indicating current knowledge and second, desired knowledge of the faculty. 3) Factors which are important considerations for attending educational workshops. The data was analyzed by statistical software SPSS 17.Results:The response rate was 54%. The mean age of faculty was 43.42 ± 8.41, largest proportion being assistant professors (85; 47%). For all educational domains, faculty perceived their knowledge to be moderately high (Mean = 5.9 +/- 1.8 to 6.8 +/- 1.7 and Median: 6 to 7). However, they desired to improve their pedagogical skills further in all domains (Mean = 8.2 +/- 1.1 to 8.4 +/- 1.1, Median: 9), p-values < 0.001. Nearly 95% teachers are willing to attend faculty development workshops.Conclusion:Our faculty perceives their current pedagogical skills to be moderately high. However, they would like to improve these skills to a higher level in all educational domains.

A needs assessment for competency development of nurse educators

“…Therefore, nurse educators were concerned that they must update their knowledge and clinical skills to educate their nursing students effectively 14 . The study findings were consistent with a study, which found that faculty members at Dow University, Karachi, Pakistan, had higher requirements for improving their competencies than their actual competencies 15 . In addition, it has been found that both studies had similar findings regarding a significant difference between the current and desired competency development of faculty members in all categories.…”

“…14 The study findings were consistent with a study, which found that faculty members at Dow University, Karachi, Pakistan, had higher requirements for improving their competencies than their actual competencies. 15 In addition, it has been found that both studies had similar findings regarding a significant difference between the current and desired competency development of faculty members in all categories. Our study findings provide important data about competency development.…”

“…25 Finally, a study in Karachi noted that instructional skills, including planning, designing, teaching, and evaluating, were evaluated as the priority choice for competency development. 15 The study results showed that participants prioritized nursing professional values development over educator professional ethics.…”

“…Second, another study in the USA reported that participants want to know how to teach and assess their students 25 . Finally, a study in Karachi noted that instructional skills, including planning, designing, teaching, and evaluating, were evaluated as the priority choice for competency development 15 …”