Human Resources Development in Short-Cycle Higher Education

Abstract

Teacher training in primary and secondary education in Slovenia is well organised. In the past there were no comprehensive and systematic training possibilities for teachers in tertiary education. The aim of the article is to present the needs, motives and preferences of the short-cycle higher education teachers for lifelong learning, and the possibilities of supporting this development with the project “Aim Higher! Training”. The needs were assessed by means of questionnaires completed by 35 head teachers, 140 lecturers and other professional staff. The lecturers expressed the need to develop e-learning, digital and scientific research competences. They are intrinsically motivated to improve their skills, with the most frequently chosen motives being to acquire new knowledge, personal development, and to improve competences. They are keen to engage in further training on the topics of methodology and didactics of distance education, fostering creativity, and use of ICT. The lecturers are keen to have professional meetings and consultations with colleagues from other higher vocational colleges and to exchange good practices. There was a difference in the perception of needs between head teachers and lecturers.