I. M. Kinchin & N. E. Winstone (Eds.), Pedagogic Frailty and Resilience in the University, 123–134.
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LINOR L. HADAR AND DAVID L. BRODy
9. TRAJECTORIES OF PEDAGOGIC CHANGE
Learning and Non-Learning Among Faculty Engaged
in Professional Development Projects
INTRODUCTION
In the 21st century higher education contexts, academic faculty face the challenge of
developing teaching practice to meet contemporary demands of the rapidly changing
world. Consequently, in many higher education contexts professional learning among
faculty becomes an integral component in efforts for improving teaching practice.
While these endeavours may vary widely in content and format, most share a purpose
to change the pedagogical practices, beliefs, and understanding of educators in order
to improve student learning (Guskey, 2002). Although a desire for professional
learning and growth underlie the motivation for engaging in professional learning
activities, participation does not guarantee a change in teaching practice (Brody &
Hadar, 2011; Opfer & Pedder, 2011).
In order to achieve the goal of change, individuals must go through an internal
process that involves departure from the way things used to be, entering a neutral
zone that diverges from the old way but is not yet the new way, and lastly adopting
a new beginning (Zellermayer & Margolin, 2005). This process experienced by
individuals to achieve change is referred to in psychological literature as transition
(Amado & Ambrose, 2001). Transition is dynamic in nature, representing how
individuals adjust to a new situation and how they respond to change efforts as they
let go of current practice or incorporate new pedagogy within their existing practice
and then reorient themselves to enable new circumstances, procedures or practices.
This process often disrupts existing patterns, creates uncertainty, and may result
in confusion, anxiety, feelings of incompetence, and withdrawal (Bolman & Deal,
1999; Brody & Hadar, 2011; Wheatley, 2005). It may also involve conflict, stress,
negotiation and compromise (Andrade, 2011).
In order to adapt to the learning situation individuals in transition are involved in
multiple evaluations that strongly affect learning behaviours and actions (Helsing,
Howell, Kegan, & Lahey, 2008). These evaluations are not always conscious;
however, they serve the individual’s adjustment to the demands of a challenging
learning situation. When the professional learning context is intended to effect
pedagogic practice, these considerations can cause resistance or avoidance of
change, thus increasing pedagogic frailty. These sometime unconscious responses