Faculty Development (FD) refers to the development of university faculty members' professional capabilities. In simple terms, it may be understood as faculty training; however, there are several ways to describe this concept in English, each carrying slightly different nuances.
The most commonly used expression is teacher training, which often implies practical training in specific instructional techniques and may suggest a degree of mandatory or prescribed learning. A broader term is teacher education, which encompasses a wider range of knowledge and competencies and aims to foster educators' overall professional capabilities; however, even this expression can imply a prescribed process.
In contrast, teacher development places greater emphasis on individual autonomy and growth, and continuous improvement. In Europe, including the United Kingdom, the term professional development is particularly common. This expression highlights the continuous process through which educators update their knowledge and skills, strengthen their expertise, and advance as members of a professional community.
Viewed from this perspective, Sophia’s FD activities are truly worthy of the term "professional development," due to both their breadth and quality. These activities are organized at multiple levels, including university-wide FD initiatives as well as programs offered by individual faculties, graduate schools, and centers. The topics covered extend far beyond classroom instruction and vary from practical issues, such as syllabus design and teaching effectiveness in online and on-demand courses, to broader issues that support the University's educational and research mission, including harassment prevention, research ethics, and other important matters as determined by the University. Every full-time faculty member participates in at least one FD activity each year, resulting in a 100% participation rate.
Looking ahead, the FD Committee will continue to offer programs that address both enduring and emerging themes in higher education. Alongside foundational topics such as course design, instructional methods, and assessment practices, future programs will also explore contemporary issues, such as the effective use of AI and the provision of reasonable accommodations for diverse learners. The University will continue to invite distinguished lecturers and experts from both within and outside the institution to support these initiatives.
These activities provide opportunities for faculty members from various faculties, departments, and centers to come together, leveraging one of Sophia's unique strengths – the single-campus environment. In this shared community, we teach, learn, exchange ideas, and grow together as colleagues.
While Sophia’s quality of education is already recognized as high, there is always room to aspire to even higher standards. We hope that FD activities will serve as a valuable resource in this journey of professional development and educational enhancement.
Makoto IKEDA
Vice President for Academic Affairs