Professional Development of Academic Staff and Quality Teaching in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt Rivers State

Abstract

This study examined the professional development of academic staff and quality teaching in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State. The study adopted three (3) research questions and objectives, which guided the study. The study used system theory by Von Bertalanify and Godson Heam (1970) and behavioural science theory by Chester Barnard (1938) as the theoretical frameworks. A descriptive research design and purposive sampling technique were used. The paper utilised both primary and secondary sources of data collection. A thematic content analysis was used for non-numeric data analysis. The findings of the study showed that professional development of teaching staff using workshops and conferences has a significant impact on quality teaching in tertiary institutions. It also revealed that professional development of teachers improved their teaching quality and gave room to inculcate trending issues. Therefore, this helped to expunge obsolete teaching strategies and also helped to impact knowledge effectively on the students. The study recommended that the education ministry should advocate for academic staff professional development to grow their educational system. Through this, quality teaching and improved productivity in the educational sector will be enhanced.