Lecturers experiences, challenges and prospects on continuing professional development

Abstract

This study was undertaken at the School of Education, University of Zambia, to establish factors that influence lecturers to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as well as factors inhibiting their participation in CPD. To establish these factors, open-ended questionnaires were used in conducting the study by means of a descriptive survey. Data were analysed qualitatively using emerging themes from the respondents’ answers and descriptive statistics were also utilised. The findings show that University lecturers are motivated to engage in CPD to update their current qualifications and as a way of showing professional competence. Among factors inhibiting lecturers from taking up CPD was lack of funds, to engage in some CPD activities and time constraints.