Micro-CPD: Evaluation of effectiveness and impact on best practice and the student experience

SEDA Research and Evaluation Small Grants 2024 (£1000)

A combination of factors such as COVID-19, global uncertainty and Generative AI are impacting the wellbeing of staff in higher education (HE). Research suggests there is a correlation between sector-wide disruption, changes to the HE workplace, wellbeing and the engagement of staff in continuing professional development. At Strathclyde, the response of the Academic Development team has been to institute a weekly programme of micro-CPD. Introduced in 2020, the programme is now entering its fourth year.

Tentative evaluation data suggests that the programme is both popular – micro-CPD posts receive an average of 250 unique engagements per week – and potentially transformational. In 2022, a survey of 94 participants found that 89% of respondents had been introduced to new approaches and ideas, while 76% had made, or intended to make, changes to their teaching as a result of their engagement with one or more micro-CPD inputs. However, questions remain about the extent to which micro-CPD supports innovative and enhanced practice in teaching and learning; the alignment between micro-CPD and other development opportunities; and – ultimately – the benefits to students who are taught by staff who engage with the programme. This project will undertake mixed-methods research including a staff survey and focus groups to thoroughly evaluate the programme’s impact. The findings will be used to make recommendations regarding the transferability of micro-CPD and micro-learning approaches to other HEIs.