Academic developers developing: aspects of an expanding lifeworld

This text discusses the professional development of academic developers. It is based on the authors’ reflections and observations in the context of a semi-formal programme, Strategic Academic Development, held for academic developers in different regions of the world. Most recently the programme participants were academic developers in Singapore. In this text, we as authors share what we notice as similar traits and common patterns across contexts when academic developers develop professionally and their ‘lifeworld’ changes. Five dimensions are highlighted: expanding horizons; widening orientations; intensified focus on ‘the others’; using and/or producing research; and finally, the frames within which academic developers work.