Illustrating improvement: storyboards as tools for exploring staff CPD and its benefits to students in a Scottish university

Illingworth, Sam; Cowan, John; Graham, Cameron; Sofia Shan, Shuanghui; Swanton, Katrina

Abstract

This article explores how academic staff perceive the relationship between their engagement in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and student outcomes. Drawing on a qualitative study conducted at a Scottish university, we used storyboarding to capture the experiences of 29 staff members across multiple disciplines. Participants reflected on how both formal (e.g. PgCert programmes) and informal (e.g. peer discussions, reflective practice) CPD influenced their teaching. Thematic analysis revealed five interconnected themes, including improved student engagement, more inclusive classroom practices, and the integration of real-world learning. These insights were shaped by an appreciative inquiry framework, which foregrounded positive and transformative experiences. Our findings suggest that CPD, when meaningful and contextually supported, can enhance not only educator confidence and motivation, but also perceived improvements in student engagement, inclusion, academic success, and retention. We argue for broader recognition of the role of staff development in shaping educational environments and outcomes.

Citation

Illingworth, S., Cowan, J., Graham, C., Sofia Shan, S., & Swanton, K. (online). Illustrating improvement: storyboards as tools for exploring staff CPD and its benefits to students in a Scottish university. Teaching in Higher Education, https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2025.2507857

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 18, 2025
• Online Publication Date: May 19, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 21, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 21, 2025
• Print ISSN: 1356-2517
• Electronic ISSN: 1470-1294
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2025.2507857
• Keywords: Storyboarding in education, continuing professional development (CPD), student retention, staff engagement, visual research methods