Professor Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, TI,
The commitment of university faculty to teaching and research is crucial for the success and growth of three, the students, faculty and the institution. A committed faculty is dedicated to the education process, which includes preparing lesson plans, engaging in continuous professional development and showing genuine interest in student outcomes. This dedication is vital for creating a stimulating learning environment and effectively shaping the future of students. Faculty members serve not just as conveyors of knowledge but also as mentors, guides and role models. Their commitment to teaching and research is essential for their multifaceted roles. Without this commitment, the ability to impart necessary skills to students is severely compromised, affecting both faculty effectiveness and their own career progression.
In the competitive landscape of modern education, committed faculty are essential for institutional success. They must adapt to technological advancements and evolving global issues, adopting innovative teaching methods and contributing to the institution’s reputation through excellence in teaching and research. There are many areas of faculty commitment but important of them are as under:
- Curriculum mastery: A committed faculty member thoroughly understands the curriculum and presents it in an accessible and engaging way. They use diverse teaching methods tailored to student needs, ensuring that complex concepts are grasped and applied practically.
- Student engagement: Student engagement extends beyond lectures to creating a dynamic classroom atmosphere where students feel motivated to participate, ask questions, engage in discussions, making it a real class interactive environment wherein students learning real life knowledge and developing critical thinking. Committed faculty avoid rigidly sticking to textbooks and notes, making the subject interesting and relevant.
- Individual attention: Recognizing and adapting to each student’s unique learning needs is a hallmark of a dedicated faculty member. A lack of commitment often leads to a one-size-fits-all approach, leaving many students struggling or feeling neglected. Such atmosphere not only demotivates students but also stifles faculty development and progression, bringing bad name for the institution.
- Feedback and support: Regular and constructive feedback is crucial for students’ development. Committed faculty provides timely assessments and is available for extra help, encouraging students to overcome difficulties and excel.
In addition to teaching, faculty engagement in research is crucial. Research commitment signifies a dedication to advancing knowledge, staying updated with the latest developments and contributing original insights. This commitment benefits both students and the faculty in several ways and important of them are as under:
- Updated knowledge: Research keeps faculty informed about the latest discoveries and innovations, ensuring that teaching material is current and relevant. This helps students learn up-to-date information and skills, essential in fast-moving fields like technology, science and business.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving: Research encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Faculty who engage in research can model these skills in the classroom, demonstrating how to approach problems methodically and draw evidence-based conclusions.
- Inspiration and mentorship: Passionate researchers inspire students to pursue their inquiries and projects, mentoring them in research methods and helping them develop a deeper understanding of their field.
- Professional credibility: Research engagement enhances a faculty member’s credibility and reputation, opening up opportunities for students such as internships, collaborations and access to a broader professional network.
When faculty lack commitment in teaching and research, several adverse outcomes can occur and a few of them are as under:
- Mediocre learning experience: Students receive a subpar education characterized by outdated material, uninspired teaching methods and a lack of engagement, leading to poor academic performance and disinterest in the subject.
- Skill deficiency: Critical skills like thinking, problem-solving and engaging with current knowledge are inadequately developed, hampering students’ employability and career progression.
- Missed opportunities: Students miss out on opportunities for advanced learning and professional development, such as research projects, internships, or collaborations.
- Decreased motivation: A faculty member’s lack of enthusiasm can demotivate students, making education feel like a chore rather than an exciting journey of discovery and growth.
A lack of commitment in teaching and research also significantly impacts the faculty, leading to the followings:
- Stunted professional growth: Faculty who do not commit to continuous learning and research may find their professional growth stunted, missing out on opportunities for development and networking.
- Reduced Job Satisfaction: Without a passion for teaching and research, work can feel monotonous and unfulfilling, leading to burnout and high turnover.
- Lack of recognition and advancement: Faculty who lack commitment are less likely to receive promotions, tenure, or other professional accolades, resulting in a plateaued career trajectory.
- Professional isolation: A lack of engagement in research and continuous learning can lead to professional isolation, reducing opportunities for collaboration and intellectual exchange.
Commitment is often measured through performance and initiative rather than direct supervision. In a university setting, faculty members should operate autonomously, seeking guidance when needed. Commitment can be assessed through the following ways:
- Teaching Effectiveness: Evaluations from students, peer reviews and self-assessments can provide insights into a faculty member’s dedication to teaching.
- Research output: The volume and quality of research publications, participation in conferences and successful grant applications reflect a faculty member’s dedication to research.
- Professional development: Active participation in workshops, seminars, and further education opportunities indicate a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Mentorship and student support: The extent to which faculty mentor students, guide research projects and provide support outside regular teaching hours is a clear indicator of their commitment.
Conclusion: Faculty commitment to teaching and research is indispensable for effective skill transfer to university students. Dedicated faculty who are deeply engaged in their subject matter and continuously seek to expand their knowledge and teaching methodologies are the linchpins of a robust education system. They not only impart knowledge but also inspire and equip students with the skills necessary to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex world. Without such commitment, the educational experience becomes lackluster and students are left ill-prepared for future challenges. Moreover, the lack of commitment also stifles the faculty’s own professional development and progression, creating a detrimental cycle. In today’s competitive educational landscape, fostering a culture of commitment among faculty should be a priority for educational institutions aiming to provide high-quality education and support the growth of their faculty. Based on my personal experience of over 35 years as a university faculty member, I have witnessed firsthand how a lack of commitment leads to significant academic and professional setbacks. Commitment is the key to success for both faculty and students alike.
The Author is at Pro-Rector, The University of Lahore, Sargodha Campus
