Putting professional development into action by putting action into professional development in second level schools in Ireland?

Abstract

Teacher professional development at second level in Irish schools has become an important issue for those of us concerned about ensuring quality teaching and learning in the classroom. In-service providers are aware that the models of provision that have been used in the past are no longer adequate to meet the professional needs of a modern teaching force. This article explores the nature of action research as a possible vehicle to provide opportunities for quality professional development for teachers. The article examines how the newly formed Second Level Support Service and the School Development Planning initiative might provide the impetus for a change in policy and a context for an action research approach to facilitating quality teacher professional development.