https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8663-6752
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ABSTRACT
Middle-level administrators in African universities are often under-utilised in terms of their contribution to the administrative support for learning and teaching. They also have little access to professional development. This paper presents the findings of a study to develop a programme to enable these administrators to enhance their support for learning and teaching in their institutions. Following a selection process based on their own universities and programme workshop sessions, participants carry out projects to ‘make a difference’ to administrative effectiveness. Analysis of project reports and participant interviews shows that the projects had a real impact, and this remains ongoing in many cases. The programme design is evaluated, and key elements highlighted: a locally based selection process; international accreditation; a strength-based approach and authentic assessment involving a workplace project and reflection on learning. Educators who work in similar ‘lower-income country’ contexts may find it constructive to make comparisons with their own experiences.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Ian Willis
Ian Willis is the Lead on the University of Liverpool’s internationalisation research cluster for the online Professional Doctorate in Higher Education; EdD. His research interests centre on international collaboration projects to enhance learning and teaching.
Brian Jennings
Brian Jennings is a lecturer, specialising in Ethics, at Ghana Christian University College, Accra. He is the College’s Quality Coordinator and Chair of the Action Learning and Action Research Association, Ghana. Dr Jennings is also a Lead Academic Auditor for the National Accreditation Board (Ghana).