Self-development of peripheral trainers: deciphering the dichotomies

The number of part-time trainers is unknown but within some training specialisms they can form a substantial cohort. Often, however, their development is not supported adequately, if at all, within their working environments. Considers self-development from the individual perspective of six English as a Second Language (ESL) peripheral trainers. Explores how a profession's attitude towards its members and self-actualization can influence the development of its practitioners. Also considers the significance of the internal impact of the organization on restricting the possibilities of self-development. The implication is that professions need to be more supportive of peripheral trainers; that organizations need to be more imaginative and responsive towards engendering self-responsibility for personal learning; and that individual trainers need to be more strategic and proactive in facilitating their own self-development.