A model for academic development: Design and evaluation

The purpose of this study was to develop design principles to guide the design of the model for academic development. It also aimed to develop a model for academic development based on the proposed principles. The research is the first longtitudinal and exploratory study to conceptualize academic development in Turkey as it is accepted in the world. Design based research methodological approach within a pragmatist and interpretivist paradigm was used in this study. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to evaluate whether the principles proposed for the model for academic development were effective. Data triangulation strategies were employed to enhance the reliability and validity of the study. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis technique and quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. During the study a model for academic development was designed, implemented, evaluated and re-designed twice. Four levels of academic development model evaluation that are participants reactions, participants learning, institutional support and participants' use of knowledge and skills, were employed during the evaluation stage of the study. This process yielded ten design principles as well as a suggested model for academic development. Some factors affecting the success of academic development were identified. Based on the results of the study, implications for policy makers, researchers and practitioners were included. Key words: higher education, model for academic development, design based research