Directorate of the Professional Development Center (PDC)

(Professional Development Center)

Professional Development Centers are responsible for enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in universities. Fulfilling this important and sensitive role requires continuous development within the country’s universities so that educational development activities are systematically planned, implemented, and institutionalized across the higher education system.

In order to modernize higher education and meet the unique needs of today’s students, the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan established and activated Professional Development Centers to promote a culture of professional teaching in universities.

Considering the importance of this initiative, the Directorate of the Professional Development Center for academic staff at Ghor University was established in 1403 (Solar Hijri) by the Ministry of Higher Education, within the framework of the Academic Affairs Vice Chancellery, with a Grade-3 position. The center was created to enhance faculty professional skills, institutionalize Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Student-Centered Learning (SCL), promote Advanced University Leadership (AUL), provide research skills training, organize health and first-aid workshops, strengthen quality assurance practices, and conduct religious awareness seminars.

The center officially commenced its activities in 1404 (Solar Hijri) and has since implemented various training programs to improve the academic and professional capacities of faculty members and administrative staff.

Objectives of the Professional Development Center

To enhance the academic and professional capacities of faculty members;
To institutionalize effective teaching, active learning, and student-centered and outcome-based approaches;
To organize a wide range of professional development workshops and seminars in areas such as teaching methods, leadership, research, and academic writing;
To promote educational development, strengthen capacities, and facilitate the exchange of academic ideas and experiences;
To improve faculty skills in using technology, tools, and advanced resources for learning and research.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Center

According to Article (8) of the guideline for regulating Professional Development Centers, the main responsibilities include:

Conducting needs assessments and prioritizing capacity-building programs;
Developing an annual operational plan;
Implementing capacity-building programs based on the operational plan;
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and quality of programs;
Preparing and submitting quarterly and annual reports;
Coordinating with relevant internal departments.

Professional Development Center Board

The Board of the Professional Development Center consists of faculty members and university experts, established to oversee and regulate the center’s activities. The board is chaired by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Duties of the Board

Collaborating with the center in capacity-building activities;
Developing and approving annual operational plans;
Providing guidance on short-term training programs;
Recommending qualified professional trainers;
Supporting the implementation of training programs;
Facilitating opportunities for academic exchange;
Organizing training programs and academic study visits;
Identifying and recognizing active and outstanding faculty members;
Holding regular monthly meetings;
Recording decisions and reporting outcomes;
Monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness and reporting to the Ministry.

Capacity-Building Programs

The center offers two types of programs:

1. Regular Programs:
Delivered by university faculty members (minimum rank: Assistant Professor / Pohanyar, with at least three years of teaching experience)

2. Core Programs:
Delivered by Master Trainers from the Ministry of Higher Education

Types of Programs

Outcome-Based and Student-Centered Learning workshops (OBE/SCL)
Advanced University Leadership workshops (AUL)
Teaching methods and pedagogy workshops
Academic writing and research workshops
Quality assurance workshops
Religious awareness seminars
Training programs for technical staff
Administrative and management skills development programs

Directorate of the Professional Development Center (PDC)