In search of suitable professional development models for administrators in Vietnamese higher education

Professional development plays a vital role in improving knowledge, skills and expertise of lecturers, staff members and educational administrators. In Vietnamese higher education context, while there have been many professional development programs designed and implemented for lecturers and staff members, there seems to be little concern about professional development for administrators. This paper, therefore, aims to investigate international experience in providing professional development for educational administrators, particularly models of professional development, through which proposing the models that are suitable for administrators working in Vietnamese universities. First, this paper presents the context for the study focusing on professional development in Vietnam’s education system. Second, the research highlights several concepts of professional development, especially those are for administrators. Third, it discusses the significance of professional development for higher education administrators. Next, the research reviews models of professional development. Lastly, the paper provides discussion and recommendations which suggests the possibilities of implementing professional development models for higher education administrators in Vietnam