THE ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES - CHALLENGES AHEAD

Faculty development through orientation programs is often called, has become an increasingly important component of higher education. Whereas it was once assumed that a competent basic or individual who joins education field would naturally be an effective teacher, it is now acknowledged that preparation for teaching is essential. Given the increasing complexity and pressures of education industry, new approaches to teaching and learning, and competing demands on teachers’ time, faculty members require a broad range of teaching and learning strategies that can be used in diverse settings. To help faculty members fulfill their multiple roles, a variety of orientation and faculty development programs and activities have been designed and implemented. These activities include workshops and seminars, short term courses and site visits, fellowships and other longitudinal programs. Many of these activities have been designed to improve teacher effectiveness, across the higher education (e.g. undergraduate and postgraduate education), and they have been offered to professionals at local, regional and national levels.