New lecturers’ constructions of learning, teaching and research in higher education

Abstract

The latest UK White Paper has once again focused attention on the quality of learning, teaching and professional development in higher education. Underpinning the discussion is the premise that teaching excellence and professional development are essential for all academics, in particular new lecturers, which are firmly positioned within the framework of quality enhancement. The research reported in this article focuses on new lecturers’ constructs of teaching, learning and research as identified by Kelly’s personal construct theory. The elicited constructs are considered with respect to the changing demands and expectations made of new lecturers within the higher education community and the implications these may have for higher education.