Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 8(12B), pp. 8369 - 8375
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082642
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Exploring the Process of Occupational Adaptation among Novice Lecturers: A Preliminary Case Study

Yu Hong ^1,2, Arnida Abdullah ^1,*
1 Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
² School of Educational Science, Guangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Laibin, 546199, Guangxi, China

ABSTRACT

Novice lecturers or also known as neophyte lecturers are an important part of higher education institutions, and the early stages of the career among novice lecturers involve the process of adapting to the new role of educators. They need to overcome different challenges and participate in occupational adaptation. The purpose of this study is to explore the occupational adaptation process among novice lecturers in order to promote their career development. The goal is also to provide useful references for the university management to support novice lecturers in making a successful start in order to grow into professional educators. Using qualitative research method, this study engages case study approach to investigate occupational adaptation process through in-depth interviews of two novice lecturers in a public university in China. By analyzing their emotional and behavioral changes in the process of occupational adaptation, findings indicate that the occupational adaptation process of novice lecturers can be subdivided into three stages; namely 1) initial period, 2) transition period, and 3) adaptation period. The transition and division between each period reveal marked changes mainly in psychological, emotional, and behavioral adjustments. Helping novice lecturers understand the characteristics of the three periods may assist them to adapt to their jobs as soon as possible and accomplish greater success in their careers.

KEYWORDS
Occupational Adaptation, Process, Novice/Neophyte Lecturers

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Yu Hong , Arnida Abdullah , "Exploring the Process of Occupational Adaptation among Novice Lecturers: A Preliminary Case Study," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 8, No. 12B, pp. 8369 - 8375, 2020. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082642.

(b). APA Format:
Yu Hong , Arnida Abdullah (2020). Exploring the Process of Occupational Adaptation among Novice Lecturers: A Preliminary Case Study. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(12B), 8369 - 8375. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082642.