Faculty development: Experiences and issues in a Norwegian perspective

Faculty development activities are flourishing in the 1990s. Attempts to exchange experiences and ideas internationally are not as abundant. In consequence, this paper presents formats and trends in faculty development activities internationally as a basis for discussion of faculty development activities in Norway and in general. Similarities and differences are analysed and indicate the following common issues for the future: 1) The relationship between individual and institutional development. 2) How to document the impact of the activities. 3) How to recruit participants. Since these dilemmas are often resolved in different ways, the comparison should contribute to a firmer basis for future development in this field.