Continuing Teacher Education Research Articles

The use of Big Data in Continuing Teacher Education

The use of Big Data in Continuing Teacher Education

Professional and personal development of newly-qualified teachers as a factor in sustainable development of the region

Introduction. The article is devoted to the problem of newly-qualified teachers’ professional development. The aim of the study is to identify the difficulties of novice teachers during their adaptation in educational settings of the region and to substantiate the ways to improve the quality of initial teacher education in the system of continuous teacher education. Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the study consists of contextual biographical and cluster approaches. The contextual biographical approach involves studying teachers’ professional biographies in the system of continuing education, taking into account complex external conditions. The cluster approach defines the principles of interaction between various stakeholders within the regional community in order to ensure the sustainable development of the regional educational system. In order to achieve the research goal, the following methods were used: theoretical (analysis of scholarly literature, comparison, generalization) and empirical (online questionnaire, focus group method, method of independent expert assessments). Results. Based on the analysis of scholarly literature, the authors provide their definition of professional and personal teachers’ development as a basic component of their professional development during the period of initial teacher education and at the initial stage of professional development. The authors argued that the main difficulty of novice teachers during the adaptation period is their interaction with various subjects of the educational process at school - students and their parents. The article substantiates the necessity of creating a regional educational cluster as an effective mechanism for improving the quality of initial teacher education at different stages of continuous teacher education. Conclusions. Based on the authors’ idea about professional and personal development of teachers as a basic component of their professional development in the initial period of their working life, the study reveals the main difficulties of novice teachers during their adaptation in educational settings of the region, overcoming of which requires changes in the system of psychological, teacher and methods education at universities and colleges. As an effective mechanism for improving the quality of teacher education, the authors substantiated the idea of creating a pedagogical scientific and educational cluster in the region, which unites the participants of the territorial educational community interested in providing the regional education system with highly qualified teaching staff.

PRÁTICAS DOCENTES NO CONTEXTO DA EDUCAÇÃO SUPERIOR

The study aimed to investigate, through the representations of professors from the Administration Program at the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), the epistemological foundation that underpins the teaching practices of these professionals. The analysis of this knowledge seeks to understand how the program has been structured to develop autonomous individuals capable of understanding and acting responsibly in contemporary society. A qualitative approach was used, with semi-structured interviews for data collection. The results indicate that most of these professionals did not have, either in their initial education or in graduate programs, courses related to university pedagogy that would help them in their teaching practice. It was observed that some professors appear to be influenced by instrumental rationality, often associated with the traditional paradigm, while others align with an emerging paradigm. Given this reality, the need for continued teacher education becomes evident. This training will enable professors to develop pedagogical practices in the classroom that promote the development of student autonomy, encouraging a more critical, reflective education capable of addressing contemporary demands.

Formação continuada de professores: Perspectivas para a diversidade e inclusão no âmbito escolar

The research aimed to analyze the perspectives of continuing teacher education for inclusion and diversity in schools, highlighting the importance of adapting these programs to meet the needs of a diverse educational environment. The methodology adopted was a bibliographic research, which involved a review of the existing literature on the subject. The results indicated that many continuing education programs are generic and do not adequately address the complexities of diversity and inclusion in classrooms. The analysis revealed the need for a more targeted and practical approach, which includes specific strategies to address diversity and promote inclusion. In addition, the importance of institutional support to ensure the effective implementation of inclusive practices was emphasized. The conclusion reinforces that continuing education must evolve to incorporate concrete and contextual inclusion and diversity practices, promoting a fairer and more equitable education, and that a robust institutional commitment is essential to transform these guidelines into effective practices.

Континуальність та суб’єктність як особливості формування готовності вчителів початкових класів до роботи з обдарованими учнями

The article highlights the peculiarities of forming primary school teachers' readiness to work with gifted students in the system of continuing teacher education. The phenomenon of «formation of primary school teachers' readiness to work with gifted students in the system of continuing pedagogical education» is considered as a process of acquiring by primary school teachers the motivational and value orientations, knowledge, skills, professional and personal qualities necessary for working with gifted students in the system of higher pedagogical education and improving them in the system of postgraduate pedagogical education on the basis of continuity, continuity and perspective. The peculiarities of forming the readiness of primary school teachers to work with gifted students are as follows: 1) the continuity of the relevant teacher training at the bachelor's and master's levels and in the conditions of scientific and methodological work, which is due to the determining role of the teacher in the formation of the personality of gifted primary school students; 2) recognition of the conceptual goal of this training as the formation of the teacher as a subject of professional and pedagogical activity aimed at developing the giftedness of primary school students, since primary school age is sensitive to the development of intelligence and creativity as systemic components of giftedness. It has been established that the concept of «continuity» is interpreted as continuity, the absence of divisibility into fragments. It is substantiated that the continuity (continuity) of the formation of primary school teachers' readiness to work with gifted students is ensured through the implementation of the principles of continuity and perspective in the goal (formation of a teacher as a subject of work with gifted students, capable of professional and personal self-development), content (as an organic unity of blocks-directions aimed at forming motivational, cognitive, activity and reflective-personal components of the studied readiness in primary school teachers), methods and forms (traditional and innovative). In the context of the study of the problem of forming the readiness of primary school teachers to work with gifted students, the subjectivity of the teacher is considered as an essential property of the personality, which is manifested in the attitude to oneself as a subject of one's own professional activity with gifted students and the attitude to gifted students as subjects of their own activity, which ensures the recognition of the gifted student as the main subject of learning and initiates the creation of favorable conditions for the disclosure of the potential of the student's individual giftedness, his/her self-development.

Personalization of Professional Development of Teachers in Formal and Informal Professional Development

Introduction. The article considers the problem of improving the professional development of teaching staff in terms of their involvement in continuing education, including through inclusion in formal and informal professional development. On the basis of the revealed contradictions, the problem of research is determined: how to personalize the professional development of teachers (including young teachers) in formal and informal professional development. The purpose of the study is to empirically test the effectiveness of the personalized professional development program for teachers in formal and informal professional development. Methodology. The experimental search work was carried out on the basis of the Information and Methodological Center in Verkhnyaya Salda, Sverdlovsk region in the period 2021–2023. The target audience of the study is young teaching staff. Results. Approbation of the 2022/23 academic year program (compared with the 2021/22 academic year program), personalized education for young teachers of general education organizations was successful, there is an increase in the competence of young teachers in the field of professional activity in comparison with the results of primary diagnostics. Conclusion. The authors note that the process of personalizing the professional development of teachers in formal and informal professional development is effective with the developed program in the aspect of continuous professional personalized education of teachers of general education institutions based on the integration of a system-activity, personally-oriented and environmental approach.

The Processes of Insertion and Sociability of Haitian Migrant Children in Early Childhood Education

The number of children, both accompanied and unaccompanied, currently crossing international borders in search of humanitarian refuge, has increased significantly in the last few decades of the Twenty-first Century. In Brazil, the presence of Haitian migrant children cannot be ignored, as, in addition to the lack of public policies, they are also victims of racism and xenophobia. Schools face a massive impact of migration, which alters their social structure. Often, the school community is not adequately prepared to cater for these children, as is the case with some schools in the Brazilian municipality of Balneário Camboriú. This research, which is linked to the Postgraduate Program in Education at the University of Vale do Itajaí, initially aims to investigate how Haitian migrant children interact with each other, and with Brazilian children, in two early childhood education schools in Balneário Camboriú. It also intends to investigate, based on the presence of Haitian migrant children, the processes of subjection or transgression of expressions of whiteness as a practice of power and representation of white identity, and to analyze the Municipality’s Curricular Proposal regarding Ethnic-Racial Education. The study is based on the Sociology of Childhood, Racial Studies, and Migration. The research is qualitative and is based on a literature review in two databases. The studies analyzed indicate that one reason for the lack of interest and knowledge about ethnic-racial diversity issues in schools is the existing gap in this theme in both initial and continuing teacher education.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUOUS TEACHER TRAINING FOR THE NEW TEACHING PROFILE

This paper presented an analysis of the importance of continuous teacher education in the current context of education. It was discussed how the constant updating of professionals can contribute to the development of more effective and inclusive pedagogical practices, in addition to positively impacting student learning and diversity in the classroom. For this, a bibliographic review and field research was carried out with teachers at a public elementary school. The results pointed to the need for continuous investment in teacher training and a greater appreciation of the profession. Finally, suggestions were presented for future research, aiming to deepen the theme and develop more effective strategies of continuing education for education professionals.

MITIGATING COGNITIVE CHALLENGES FACED BY TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN TEACHING AND LEARNING READING IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Teachers, especially teachers of English language face considerable challenges when teaching reading at the various school levels. Reading is the act or process of receiving and interpreting information in language via the medium of print. This paper identifies some of the challenges encountered by English teachers while instructing and facilitating the teaching and learning reading among secondary schools generally special focus on Nigeria. It highlights the multifaceted nature of the challenges, encompassing area such as diverse student intellectual abilities, insufficient cognitive engagement, language barriers. This paper review various studies on reading and in Nigerian schools, identify recurrent problems and the gaps relating to cognitive challenges. It explores potential solutions to mitigate these flaws, emphasizing the pivotal importance of tailored instructional strategies and tooling, collaborative approaches between parents/guardian and managements of school, and the integration of active technological apparatus to the system. The paper recommended that, regular workshops with a cognitive approach should be organized for all teachers of English to enable them handle reading effectively, this training will create a drive-in teacher to ensure that students under their tutelage are fluent readers. More so, in- service training should also be an integral part of continuing teacher education and teachers should be supported in order to increase their level of confidence when teaching reading.

Individual educational strategies for advanced training of higher school teachers

The Russian education system is constantly undergoing updates, natural in the process of continuous development of science, technology and society. In this regard, there is an obvious need for continuous professional education of university teachers, who then, in turn, develop innovative content and make changes in the learning process for students of all fields of study. An important goal of each educational organization is to maintain the proper level and continuous improvement of the quality of education. Therefore, the result of the teacher’s mastering a program of advanced training courses should be the improvement of professional competencies, which are just necessary to improve the quality of teaching. On the way to achieve this goal, a number of problems arise, the solution of which requires special attention from both the university management and each teacher. At the same time, the main aspect is the expedient competent construction of general educational strategies and individual trajectories of professional development for each teacher, depending on the nature of professional activity. The article presents an analysis and comparative characteristics of individual educational trajectories of advanced training of teachers of technical and pedagogical universities on the example of the Povolzhskiy State University of Telecommunications and Informatics and the Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education.

Methods and means of developing the pedagogical skill of teachers of general education disciplines in vocational education institutions

The problem of developing the professionalism of teachers today belongs to the key directions of research in the field of modern pedagogical science. The high quality of teaching in the vocational education system depends on the level of knowledge, pedagogical skill of the teacher, and his/her professional maturity. On the basis of the conducted analysis, it is substantiated that the effectiveness of the development of the pedagogical skill of teachers of general education disciplines of vocational education institutions depends both on the correct definition of goals and content, and on the methods of achieving the goal - teaching methods.
 The purpose of the article is the theoretical justification of the main methods and means of developing the pedagogical skill of teachers of general education disciplines of vocational education institutions.
 The work characterizes the main functions of teaching methods, analyzes their main classifications, examines familiar, traditional methods (lecture method, story, explanation, training exercises, explanatory conversation, discussion, independent work, instruction, etc.), as well as innovative: simulation and game methods, brainstorming method, problem methods, project method, case method, master class, work in pairs, work in groups, consultations, portfolio, method of situational analysis, coaching, tutoring, etc.
 The study revealed that improving the professional skill of teachers of general education disciplines in vocational education institutions is a complex process. The professional skill of a teacher is an individual style, combined with high professional competence, which determines the ability to apply traditional and innovative technologies, to carry out professional activities regardless of the conditions of the social environment and the characteristics of students. That is why explanatory-illustrative, reproductive, and problem-based teaching methods (traditional and innovative) should gradually and purposefully implement cognitive activity, develop and improve professional skills within the framework of formal, non-formal, and informal continuous pedagogical education of teachers of general education disciplines of vocational education institutions

Continuing teacher education with a view to education for sustainable development: challenges of integration between mathematics and science

Environmental education has been discussed worldwide throughout society, therefore an increase in actions that promote environmental awareness is essential and the need for the formation of critical, collective and sustainable thinking is emerging. Based on municipal, state and federal laws, the National Curricular Parameters and the National Common Curricular Base report that good academic performance would be of no use apart from the perception of the impact of individual and collective human actions on the environment. However, society has been facing challenges in the continued training of teachers, and developing tools that support the work of these professionals, including those in the Science area, through interdisciplinarity in the initial years, becomes essential. This article reinforces the need to provide such programs, which aim to develop methodological practices that seek lesson plans focused on environmental themes. The research was based on the challenges that teachers face when they propose to develop environments in their classrooms that are favorable to promoting social contexts. In addition to investigating what characteristics are necessary for the development of activities that support collaborative work, allowing the teacher to develop a role as a mediator and not just a transmitter of knowledge.

Theories of education and educational research: Contributions to the continuous education of teachers

Scientific research in the educational field can become a great ally with regard to the construction of new knowledge and critical training for education professionals. It is through research that we will seek to become aware that we are producers of transforming knowledge, facilitating improvement and encouraging pedagogical work. Based on the above, this article aims to address the theories of education in some of its phases and its influence on the preparation of the educator, reflecting on the formation of teachers from the educational research which seeks to follow the course, maintaining a relationship dialectic between theory and practice, that is, from “understanding” to pedagogical “doing”. For the construction of the theoretical foundation of this research, we selected some authors, among them: Batista, Saviani, Suchodolski, Freire and Schnetzler. Discussions point out that teaching as a transforming action in society is renewed from teacher training, which is the result of research based on theories of education.

АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЯ МЕТОДОЛОГИИ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ИНФОРМАЦИОННО-ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОЙ СРЕДЫ ИНОЯЗЫЧНОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ

The relevance of the problem outlined in the title of the article within the framework of improving the methodology of studying the communicative competence of students largely concerns a constant renewal of educational environment of participants interaction in education. The latter is currently focused on the key aspects of the preservation of traditional Russian values, reflected in the critical consideration of topical issues of improving the communicative culture of the individual. The purpose of the study is to develop and test a value model based on the conceptual design of the information and educational environment in the system of continuing professional education of a teacher as an important factor and condition for improving the communicative competence of a person. The research material selected includes teaching aids and methodological recommendations for the system of continuous professional education of teachers, as well as material products of expert activities of foreign language teachers in schools in Novosibirsk and the Novosibirsk region. The research methods include corpus technology, modeling and design of the interaction space based on the analysis of the existing corpus of methodological techniques and developmental tasks of a modern lesson, as well as the analysis of linguistic tools in the process of examination of linguistic and cultural concepts in terms of Intelligence Methodology within the actual aspects of developing the methodology of the research of the constantly renewing educational environment of interaction of participants of educational process. The results can be of use for those who are in the scientific space.

The influence of socio-economic factors on the effectiveness of continuous pedagogical education in the Republic of Austria

The proposed article deals with the development of the system of continuous teacher education in the conditions of the Austrian market economy. The author emphasizes the importance of studying the Austrian experience of the interaction of higher education with the labor market in order to reconsider the mechanisms and models of state influence on the policy of employment of teachers. It was determined that the purpose of this article is to analyze and generalize the socio-economic factors that shape the demand of young and experienced teachers for training within the concept of continuous education in the educational space of the Republic of Austria. The tasks are to determine the main stages of the development of continuous education in the countries of the European Union, in particular the Republic of Austria, from the beginning of the Bologna process until today; identify the leading trends in the development of the Austrian labor market and their impact on the supply of specialists with higher pedagogical education; substantiate the main imperatives of regulating the training and employment of future teachers in the Austrian economy. The author characterized the ways of ensuring the continuity of the development of pedagogical education in the Republic of Austria. Attention is focused on the need to introduce innovative forms of organizing professional training and improving the qualifications of pedagogical workers. An analysis of the labor market in the Republic of Austria was carried out regarding the demand for specialists in fields of pedagogy and their remuneration. It was found out that the effectiveness of personnel policy and provision of opportunities for professional development of pedagogical workers are somewhat lower than for other specialists with higher education. Factors stimulating teachers’ interest in career and professional growth through various forms of continuous education are singled out. The conditions for increasing the competitiveness and optimizing the potential of teachers as subjects of the labor market have been determined. It was concluded that the Republic of Austria has a positive experience of professional training of teachers in the system of continuing education, however, it needs new approaches to forecasting the needs of the labor market for specialists with higher pedagogical education in order to create a competitive environment in the education industry in the modern world.

Digitalization in Bulgarian science education: a comparative analysis of the state of the art

The paper discusses the use of digital technologies (DT) in Bulgarian school science education through a review and analysis of national and international studies. Both the strengths and weaknesses of the application of DT in the Bulgarian school in a comparative plan with other European countries are highlighted. The findings show that the digital competence of Bulgarian students and teachers related to DigComp and DigCompEdu frameworks is generally lower than the European average despite the confidence in their digital skills. Problematic areas include creating and modifying digital content, collaboration among teachers, identifying fake news, assessing student progress, implementing constructivist approaches in e-learning. The quality of continuing teacher education for digital competences is also a concern. Nevertheless, many Bulgarian teachers express satisfaction with their work in distance learning and believe that the use of DT enhances their lessons. Analysis of digital technology use and student learning achievements in science education shows no clear evidence of a correlation. However, there are potential positive effects of using computers as a supplement to traditional instruction rather than as an alternative to it. Keywords: DigComp; DigCompEdu; digital competence; science education

Teachers seconded to continuing teacher education: professional development and the paradox of reaching proficiency

ABSTRACT In Ireland state funded support services provide Continuing Professional Development for teachers and school leaders. These services are staffed with teachers seconded from their schools on an annual basis for a maximum of five years. This study investigated the learning and experience of teachers seconded to a national support service, the Professional Development Service for Teachers and how this influences their post-secondment career. It employed qualitative interviews exploring this from the perspective of teachers previously seconded to the PDST. The theoretical framework was rooted in the field of career dynamics setting out three stages (Entry, Experience, Exit) navigated by teachers from entering the service through to their departure. This article focusses primarily on the study findings for the Experience stage while necessarily providing relevant insights from the Entry stage. Attention is drawn to the distinct role and identities of teachers seconded as ‘Continuing Teacher Educators’. Findings show that the learning they acquire is extensive while also revealing tensions in managing hybrid identities as teachers/teacher educators. Most notable are precarious tensions between the catalytic impact of secondment and the uncertain nature of its tenure. For most, this eventuates in a premature departure from the service to other careers, paradoxically having reached proficiency as teacher educators.

Teacher’s Professional Qualifications in Terms of Competency Model Pedagogical Growth

The paper considers the system of professional qualifications for teachers of subject education and defines the most important criterion for obtaining a higher pedagogical education. As part of the implementation of the structural model of teacher education, bachelor's and master's programs are distinguished. Each level is an independent system, but in unity, they form a model of a complete higher pedagogical education. This study established the pedagogical model of professional growth of a bachelor's graduate at the formal and non-formal levels of education, and the pedagogical trajectory of a graduate of a master's program determined the deepening of qualifications and work in higher education. The results of this study indicate a clear system of qualification levels, however, at the level of its content – professional competence – there is no single description of its constituent competencies. In the context of the competence-based approach to teaching implemented in higher education, pedagogical and methodological competence for a teacher of any qualification, as well as research competence for a master's degree graduate, are defined as a key component of pedagogical qualification. Based on the analysis of previous studies of teacher training under the conditions of a competency-based model, regulations and standards, the previously defined competencies were identified as basic ones. The development of the basic competencies of a teacher is determined by the system of professional growth and, within the framework of the “lifelong learning” model, forms a system of continuous teacher education. The system of professional growth in this study is determined by the qualifications achieved and depends on the education system: for a teacher of secondary education, the model for improving pedagogical skills through obtaining qualification categories is determined as the basis, and for a teacher of higher education, obtaining an academic degree, title and professional growth by position is available. Lifelong education for a teacher in this study also depends on the level: in secondary education – an increase in the level of pedagogical and methodological activities, and in higher education – an increase in the level of scientific and pedagogical activity throughout the entire period of professional activity.

Understanding the Teaching and Learning of Fundamental Movement Skills in the Primary Physical Education Setting: A Qualitative Study

Purpose: Evidence demonstrates that many school children fail to master fundamental movement skills (FMS). Little is known about the teaching and learning of FMS in Hong Kong. This study aimed to capture voices from both teachers and students to better understand the current FMS practices in primary physical education Methods: Semistructured interviews with physical education teachers and focus groups with students were conducted. Thematic analysis of teacher transcriptions was performed. Student focus groups were analyzed using a framework approach, guided by TARGET (i.e., Task, Autonomy, Recognition, Grouping, Evaluation, and Time). Results: Several “teacher” level themes were developed: Self-efficacy (mis)judgment, limited pedagogical content knowledge, ineffective instructional and assessment strategies, insufficient teacher training, and deprioritization of skill development in physical education. Students perceived the need for a more student-centered approach to the teaching of FMS. Conclusions: Results highlighted the need for a different approach to initial and continuous teacher education in FMS. Further investigation into the most effective forms of teacher education is necessary, in order to improve the teaching and learning of FMS in schools.

Enseñanza de la biodiversidad: en pantalla la organización y gestión de las clases

In this study, we analyze the organization and the pedagogical and assessment practices of biodiversity teaching carried out by high school teachers. A qualitative method was used for data collection. The results indicated that teachers had narrow view of biodiversity, which may have implications for the organization and for teaching of biodiversity. Most teachers planned in a following way: diffuse objectives, few social implications, and no political connotation, above all, focused on the textbook and not including the appreciation and analysis of the local biota. This approach can be considered a type of technical and neutral planning that, possibly, not meet the purposes of engaging students in conservation actions. Teaching was based mainly on lectures, a type of methodology that does not involve students in everyday situations, challenges and problems related to the local biota. These findings indicated the need to review initial and continuing teacher education related to biodiversity.