Entangled in context: addressing academic development and choice architecture

This paper describes the evaluation of newly created pedagogical programs for early-career educators delivered by academic developers (ADs) in two universities in Central Europe. Initially conceived as an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness, iterative analysis led to acknowledgment of the importance of context for the impact of these programs. We recognize prevalent educational choice architecture (ECA) which influences the endeavours of ADs. We invite ADs to consider the existence and characteristics of the ECA within their contexts and to reflect on how this may influence AD activity and be utilized as an agent of change rather than an all-pervading given.