The positive responses received from colleges which participated in the research suggest that colleges are increasingly recognising that new lecturers are an important resource, and that initial impressions can influence their attitudes towards staff development in the future. However, if induction is seen by new lecturers primarily as a way of avoiding or resolving problems, then it will be difficult to engender a positive attitude to staff development. If induction is seen by new lecturers as a way of enhancing the craft, industrial or professional skills which they bring to the post, and for which they have been appointed, then the new lecturer will be helped to grow in confidence. Colleges are becoming increasingly aware of the new and extra demands which are being placed on their services. They are recognising the need to be flexible and responsive in meeting these demands.
Most colleges now accept that they are in a competitive market.
In order to be responsive and to remain competitive, staff development must play an increasing role in the future. Induction is the first stage of that process. The Further Education Staff College is planning to devote one of the Coombe Lodge reports to this research into induction, to be available about March 1989. SCRE Spotlights are also available on the Internet. You will find directions to the full list of titles on the SCRE Website Home Page.