Teacher Professional Development Research Articles

Professional Development of Future Teachers in the Sports and Event Environment of the University

Professional Development of Future Teachers in the Sports and Event Environment of the University

Conceptualising Intercultural Literacy: Narratives from English Language Teachers

This current study investigates how English language teachers in Indonesian higher educational institutions define and conceptualize intercultural literacy and practice it in their classrooms. Eight ELT practitioners were interviewed through narrative inquiry, and the data was analyzed using thematic analysis to explore their lived conceptualizations. The findings suggest three major themes on intercultural literacy, including conceptualization of intercultural literacy, implementation in professional practice, challenges in fostering intercultural understanding, and strategies to overcome these challenges. Teachers defined intercultural literacy as encompassing cultural understanding, adaptability, comparative analysis, and professional knowledge. They integrated it into their teaching through curriculum design, student-centered methods, and digital tools. This was done by weaving these into the curriculum design and retraining pedagogy with student-centric methods and other digital tools. However, the participants mentioned that they faced some obstacles, including institutional barriers, limited funding, and the difficulties of switching from the traditional to the newest teaching method. These issues were mitigated by professional development, collaboration, and inclusive instructional materials. The current research finding indicates the importance of comprehensive professional development and institutional support for teachers in developing intercultural competence in their students. These findings contribute to intercultural literacy in Indonesia and practical recommendations for improving it within Indonesian higher education. The finding highlights the how to prepare students for a globalized world through intercultural literacy and educator support.

Self-assessment for continuous professional development: The perspective of Islamic Education

This study was conducted to explore the concept of self-assessment that must be practiced by Islamic education teachers for continuous professional development, focusing on the views of Islamic education teachers (IETs). Since, the researcher is trying to collect further information, it is appropriate to employ a qualitative approach in the form of a case study. Six participants were selected using purposive sampling techniques based on specific criteria. Participants were chosen for their extensive experience in the field of Islamic Education, which provides them with versatility and knowledge of the practices of educators teaching Islamic Education. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face and online. The findings revealed six themes: 1) the meaning of self-assessment, 2) the purpose of self-assessment, 3) aspects of self-assessment, 4) timing for conducting self-assessment, 5) the qualities of teachers who practice self-assessment, and 6) challenges in implementing self-assessment. Participants endeavored to enhance understanding of self-assessment practices by offering examples from various teaching roles and situations. Self-assessment plays a crucial role in cultivating reflective thinking and self-awareness among IETs, promoting positive and transformative changes in their professional journey. It fosters enthusiasm and encourages personal growth, thereby enhancing teaching practices within Islamic education. Self-assessment should ideally occur immediately after lessons or in response to specific events, and it is beneficial to be practiced continuously to ensure ongoing improvement and adaptability. Teachers who engage in self-assessment demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development, contributing to a positive educational environment. Despite challenges, self-assessment empowers teachers to make informed decisions for improvement based on evaluation outcomes. This study serves as a crucial guideline and informational resource for IETs to align their professional development with current needs and advancements.

Creative Teaching in the Context of Educational Reform: Insights from the Perspective of In-service Teachers

Aim. This study aims to elucidate the multifaceted nature of creative teaching within the specific context of educational reform by exploring the nuanced perspectives of in-service teachers through their real-life teaching experiences. Methods. A qualitative approach was adopted, with semi-structured, vignette-based interviews with 19 teachers from elementary, junior high, and senior high schools in Taiwan. Data analysis followed reflexive thematic analysis methods. Results. The findings underscore that in-service teachers perceive creative teaching not as the creation of entirely new educational paradigms but rather as the adoption of unconventional methods. This entails the adaptive and strategic utilisation of diverse teaching methods, the integration of multidisciplinary content, and an enduring commitment to continuous improvement. It is an incremental process involving the continuous absorption of new concepts, the adaptation of new methods, and making progressive adjustments. Conclusion. Enhancing teachers’ creative teaching requires a context-specific understanding of its essence, facilitating targeted promotion and teacher education. This study addresses the research gap by qualitatively investigating teachers’ perspectives on creative teaching and its implementation. The insights gained in this study are crucial in guiding the effective integration of creativity into pedagogical practice within teacher education and professional development endeavours. Cognitive value. This study challenges the conventional notion that creative teaching involves the invention of entirely new methods, arguing instead that creative teaching is primarily concerned with the ways in which teachers implement unconventional approaches, rather than the novelty of those approaches. These findings offer a novel perspective on fostering creative teaching within teacher development endeavours.

Unveiling The Lived Experiences of School Heads in Managing Intergenerational Diversity among Proficient Teachers

This transcendental phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of school heads in managing intergenerational diversity among proficient teachers in public elementary schools in Noveleta, Cavite. Through in-depth interviews, participant observations, and document analysis, the study revealed how generational differences impacted school management practices. Seven key themes emerged: Intergenerational Dynamics and Work Culture, Leadership and Adaptive Management Strategies, Technological Evolution and Pedagogical Adaptation, Communication, Collaboration, and Team Cohesion, Coping with Change and Navigating Resistance, Personal Well-being and Professional Growth, and Cultural and Societal Influences. The findings highlighted that school heads faced distinct challenges when managing generational gaps in work ethics, discipline, and professional values. Older generations of teachers, such as Baby Boomers and Generation X, exhibited stronger work ethics and commitment, often working through breaks to ensure student learning. In contrast, younger generations, particularly Generation Y and Z, were perceived to prioritize work-life balance and demonstrated less initiative. These differences posed significant challenges in fostering collaboration and innovation within schools. School heads employed adaptive strategies, such as empathetic leadership, fostering open communication, and promoting flexible solutions to bridge these generational divides. Moreover, the study emphasized the need for school management to address stereotypes and biases associated with different generations, creating inclusive environments that promoted cohesion and mutual respect. The implications extended to educational policies and professional development programs aimed at fostering intergenerational understanding and improving staff relations.

The Effectiveness of Teacher Professional Development Program on Classroom and Behavior Management: A Systematic Review

Aim. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of teacher professional development programs in enhancing classroom management and student behaviour control. Methods. Conducted through a systematic review, this research examines empirical studies published between 2016 and 2022. The focus is on evaluating the impact of professional development programs on teachers' abilities in classroom management and behaviour control. Results. The findings of the study reveal a positive correlation between participation in professional development programs and improvements in classroom management and behaviour control. Specifically, teachers' knowledge and skills in these critical areas are enhanced through such programs. Furthermore, the research demonstrates positive effects on student performance and achievement as a direct result of improved classroom management. Conclusion. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence of the effectiveness of teacher professional development programs in enhancing classroom management and student behaviour control. By synthesising findings from multiple studies, the research adds depth to our understanding of the relationship between professional development and teacher performance.

What are we inducting teachers of Color into? Disrupting race-evasiveness to create responsive professional development and mentoring policies and practices

Professional development and mentorship are key supports designed to facilitate growth and acclimation to the teaching profession as well as foster the stability and success of new educators. However, both fields of study have been occupied by a normalization of whiteness and white teachers, which often neglects the experiences, perspectives, and needs of teachers of Color. As we attempt to diversify the teaching force, it is important to understand how teacher professional development and mentorship can be responsive to teachers of Color. In this article, we review literature on teacher professional development and teacher mentorship for and by teachers of Color. Through the lens of our analysis, we explore limitations in current policy, and provide case study examples of how to serve teachers of Color. We also offer policy recommendations that can better guide racially literate and culturally sustaining professional development and mentoring practices, so teachers of Color can grow, thrive, and positively impact schools towards the goals for which they are being recruited.

Factors associated with Teachers’ Professional Development in Nepal

Community schools and institution schools are providing education for children in Nepal. The community schools are fully government funded and institutional school are not funded run by themselves from the student fees and other monitory sources. The professional developmental activity for community school teachers is conducted by government sector and the institutional schoolteachers are deprived from such opportunity. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with teachers’ professional development. Mixed methods research design along with sequential explorative involving quantitative followed by qualitative (Quan+Qual) had been employed in this study. Ten schools including five community schools and five institutional schools from Bhaktapur district were purposively selected. Total 40 mathematics and Nepali teachers including 20 from each community schools and institutional school were taken as respondents. The respondents were sent Google form by mentioning the variable as monitory and non-monitory incentives for teacher professional development. The response obtained from the Google form were tabulated in excel sheet to form percentage of frequency table. The findings revealed that the monitory incentives such as salary (95.5%), allowance and bonus (80%), insurance (77.5%) have high impact for teacher professional development and non-monitory incentives embraces promotion and security (87.5%), training and field visit (87.5%), attending in international conference (75%), inauguration (72.5%), praise and rewards (65%) have also commentary role for TPD. The monitory incentives play vital role for strengthening the professional efficacy of teacher. Likewise, non-monitory incentives are also the paramount importance as monitory incentives and lacks behind in the absence of it in the lines of teacher’s professional growth.

A systematic review of technology-enabled teacher professional development during COVID -19 pandemic

Technologies have the potential to support and enable teacher professional development (TPD) programs for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all (United Nations, 2023). This paper reviews the technology-enabled TPD programs that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated their effectiveness on teachers' learning and professional growth. Drawing on the TPD@Scale model, we systematically analyzed the quality, equity, and efficiency dimensions of 37 technology-enabled TPD programs implemented during the pandemic. The findings demonstrate that technology-enabled TPD programs could develop teachers’ knowledge and skills critical to quality teaching during the pandemic and create environments that foster active learning and collaboration among teachers. However, there needs to be significant improvements in using technology to provide expert support and facilitate feedback and reflections. Furthermore, equity and efficiency were not specifically discussed in these TPD programs. Lessons learned from the present study have allowed us to provide recommendations to researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and educators.

Methodical system of training future english language teachers based on a complex of approaches

Introduction. The article describes a methodical system for developing professional competencies of future English language teachers based on communicative, cognitive and synergetic approaches. The relevance of the study is due to the need to ensure effective professional training of future teachers in the context of the increasing complexity of the educational environment and the diversity of student needs. The purpose of the study is to design a methodical system based on a complex of approaches that allows creating more adaptive and flexible conditions for the training and professional development of future English language teachers, taking into account modern requirements and challenges in the field of education. Materials and Methods. During the study, a theoretical analysis of scientific literature and legal documents on the issue under study was carried out, as well as a comparative analysis of existing concepts of methodical systems and models for the formation of professional competencies of future teachers. The methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization and modelling are used in the study. Results. As a result of theoretical and comparative analysis of scientific research, generalization of our own practical experience, a methodical system for developing professional competencies of future English language teachers based on a complex of approaches has been developed, its key components, which ensure the comprehensive and systematic nature of the educational process, have been described, as well as the mechanism of their interaction. All components of the system are presented in target, content, conceptual and methodical, effective blocks. Discussions and Conclusions. The development of a methodology for the formation of professional competencies of future English language teachers based on communicative, cognitive and synergetic approaches in the process of studying special disciplines with a focus on the integration of disciplinarydevelopment and the progressive formation of competencies is a prospect for further research.

Does the work environment matter in shaping English as a foreign language teachers’ teaching for creativity: A mixed‐methods investigation into the roles of perceived climate, peer group interaction, and supervisory relationship

AbstractTeachers play a critical role in fostering students’ creativity, especially in English as a foreign language (EFL) classes, known as teaching for creativity (TfC). Despite this, no comprehensive study has explored how the work environment influences EFL teachers’ TfC. Therefore, this study investigates how various holistic work environment factors affect TfC among Chinese EFL teachers. Drawing on the dynamic componential model of creativity, the study employs a mixed‐methods approach, combining quantitative data from a survey of 406 EFL teachers analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling in Smart PLS 3, and qualitative insights from semi‐structured interviews with 20 EFL teachers analyzed in MAXQDA 2022. The quantitative results reveal that perceived climate and peer group interaction positively and significantly impact TfC, whereas supervisory relationship (SR) does not show significant effects. The qualitative findings validate these outcomes and offer deeper insights into how PC and PGI specifically facilitate or impede TfC, alongside explanations for the non‐significant role of SR. Additionally, the qualitative analysis identifies another influential factor on TfC: teacher–student interaction. These findings carry theoretical and practical implications for teacher educators and the professional development of EFL teachers.

Teaching and Learning Process Transformation using New and Emerging IT Trends in the Nigerian Educational System

This study investigates how IT trends affect teaching and learning in the Nigerian educational system. It starts off with a summary of the current IT trends being used, such as the usage of technology in classrooms, accessibility to the internet, use of mobile devices and educational apps, and incorporation of virtual and augmented reality. The report then looks at how these IT trends have improved teaching and learning, including increased motivation and engagement, personalized learning experiences, easy access to a variety of learning resources, and chances for collaborative learning. However, there are obstacles to integrating IT trends into the Nigerian educational system, such as a lack of equipment and resources, a lack of digital literacy among teachers and students, reluctance to abandon the use of conventional teaching techniques, and privacy and security worries. The provision of professional development for teachers, the development of infrastructure and internet connectivity, the promotion of digital literacy, and addressing privacy and security issues are some of the strategies for successfully integrating IT trends in education. The study also provides examples of how IT trends have been successfully implemented in Nigerian schools, including the use of online tests, virtual and augmented reality in science instruction, and educational apps for individualized learning. Future directions and suggestions are then given, highlighting the necessity of increasing access to technology and internet connectivity, incorporating cutting-edge IT trends like artificial intelligence and machine learning, offering teachers ongoing professional development opportunities, and fostering collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and technology providers.

Adaptive Learning Models for Diverse Classrooms: Enhancing Educational Equity

This review paper explores the transformative potential of adaptive learning models in promoting educational equity. Adaptive learning systems leverage advanced algorithms and digital tools to provide personalized instruction tailored to individual student needs, enhancing academic outcomes and fostering greater engagement and confidence. The theoretical foundation of adaptive learning aligns with constructivist and socio-cultural theories, emphasizing the importance of personalized and differentiated instruction. Evidence suggests adaptive learning improves academic performance among diverse and underserved student populations. However, significant barriers to implementation persist, including technological, financial, and pedagogical challenges, as well as ethical considerations related to data privacy and algorithmic fairness. The paper highlights the implications of these findings for educational policy and classroom practice, advocating for equitable access to adaptive learning technologies and comprehensive professional development for educators. The evolution of adaptive learning, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, promises further educational equity and inclusivity advancements. Keywords: Adaptive Learning, Educational Equity, Personalized Instruction, Digital Tools

Influence of Teachers’ Professional Training and Development on Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Ndhiwa Sub-County Homabay County, Kenya

Purpose: The persistent academic underperformance in public secondary schools in Kenyan rural areas has raised concerns among educators, policymakers, and local communities. The purpose of the study is to evaluate how teacher professional training and development influence academic performance. One of the key factors believed to have contributed to this challenge is the lack of sufficient and effective professional training and development programs for teachers. There is a growing need to examine how teachers' professional training and development influence students' academic outcomes. The problem this study seeks to address is the unclear and under-researched relationship between teachers' professional development and students' academic performance in Ndhiwa Sub-County. Methodology: The study used descriptive research design and 15 public secondary schools, 113 teachers and 522 students were involved in the study as study respondents. The study used document analysis and semi structured questionnaires to collect the quantitative data, which was analyzed through descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). Findings: The study reveals that teachers' professional training and development have a significant impact on students' academic performance in public secondary schools in Ndhiwa Sub-County. The findings also indicated that teachers who undergo continuous professional development are better equipped with modern teaching strategies, content knowledge, and student engagement techniques, which in turn positively influence students' academic outcomes. Teachers with higher levels of training and access to ongoing professional development demonstrate improved classroom management, increased use of learner-centered methodologies, and more effective assessment technique. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: From the study findings, the study recommends that schools and educational authorities should develop more structured and regular Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs that focus on subject-specific training, pedagogical skills, and updated teaching methodologies. This is because the study findings likely indicate that teachers who engage in regular training and development show better performance in student outcomes. The education policy makers should come up with the programs that forge partnerships between secondary schools and local universities or teacher training colleges to provide advanced training opportunities and access to educational research.

Leading Change and Innovation Effectively in Secondary Schools: A Literature Review

This literature review investigates the concepts of innovation and change within the context of secondary education, distinguishing between these concepts while highlighting their interconnectedness. It emphasizes the importance of leadership in driving innovation and change to better prepare students for the 21st-century workforce, enhance student engagement and achievement, and address issues of equity and inclusion. Effective leadership is shown to be crucial for fostering a culture of adaptability, creativity, and continuous improvement in schools. The review also explores various theoretical frameworks, including Fullan’s educational change theory, Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation, and Lewin’s process theory, to provide a comprehensive understanding of how change and innovation are implemented and sustained in educational settings. Challenges such as resistance to change, limited resources, and the need for teacher professional development are discussed, along with strategies to address these issues. Recent advancements in educational technology and the growing emphasis on equity-focused leadership are highlighted as key factors in shaping the future of secondary education. The review concludes by underscoring the necessity of visionary and resilient leadership to navigate the evolving educational landscape and create adaptive, innovative, and inclusive secondary schools.

Lesson Study, Differentiated Instruction and Professional Development of Teachers: Exploring the Relationship in Secondary Schools in Greece

The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of research, that aimed to investigate the effect of lesson study as a professional development activity on the effective implementation of differentiated instruction and, above all, to identify which specific characteristics of lesson study as a professional development activity influence the plan, implementation, and understanding of the differentiation by the teachers, in the teaching of the Modern Greek Language course of the 2nd class of Lyceum. The research was qualitative and grounded theory data collection and analysis techniques were used, in the context of its implementation. The research was carried out in three schools in two municipalities of Eastern Attica, with the participation of four teachers and eighty students. Data were collected before, during, and after the lesson study cycle and included classroom observations, interviews of the participating teachers, protocols for planning, observing, revising, and reflecting on the research lesson as well as transcripts of teacher meetings and the teaching of the research lesson, diaries, which were kept during the implementation of the lesson study, students' assignments as well as their interviews after the teaching. The research showed that the lesson study cycle outcomes for each participating teacher were greatly influenced by the completion of all stages of a lesson study cycle, as there were no characteristics that alone accounted for these outcomes. Teachers' thoughts and opinions about the process support this finding. All participants referred to their positive experience of the lesson study process holistically, demonstrating that all stages of the lesson study cycle are important and interdependent.

STEM professional development of early childhood teachers

AbstractEarly childhood teachers are critical in promoting young children's STEM learning. However, research indicates that early childhood teachers are unfamiliar with STEM and do not have confidence in their abilities and skills to implement STEM education. Despite this issue, previous research has focused less on early childhood teachers' STEM professional development. This mixed‐method study investigated the effects of the STEM Professional Development Program (SPDP) on 12 early childhood teachers' attitudes toward STEM education, STEM practices, self‐efficacy, and instructional beliefs, which were used as pretest and posttest measures. The quantitative dimension of the study investigated the effects of the SPDP on early childhood teachers' attitudes and STEM practices, self‐efficacy, and instructional beliefs towards STEM education by using the pretest and posttest only, without a control group design. The qualitative dimension, participating teachers' experiences, perceptions about the SPDP, and thoughts about the SPDP's influence on their beliefs, self‐efficacy, and attitudes about STEM were explored using phenomenology design. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results showed that the SPDP positively affected teachers' self‐efficacy for STEM practices, attitudes toward STEM education, and instructional beliefs. Moreover, participating in the SPDP influenced teachers' perspectives on STEM education, supported their learning about STEM content, and increased their awareness of the importance of STEM in early childhood.

Optimalisasi Mutu Pendidikan melalui Administrasi Personalia yang Efisien: Pilar Utama Keberhasilan Institusi Sekolah

The quality of education in schools is largely determined by the effective management of educational and administrative staff. Personnel administration, which involves recruitment, training, career development, and performance evaluation, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that human resources (HR) in schools operate efficiently. Effective HR management enhances teacher performance and fosters a positive work environment, directly contributing to improved educational quality. Conversely, poor HR administration can lead to low teacher motivation, high turnover, and declining academic standards. As modern curricula and technological advancements evolve, personnel administration must adapt to ensure continuous professional development and well-being for educators. This article investigates the significance of personnel administration in improving school quality. By reviewing recent literature, it explores how recruitment, training, and performance evaluation processes impact teaching quality and student outcomes. The analysis also provides recommendations for policymakers to strengthen HR management in schools, ensuring sustained educational excellence. Structured personnel administration is shown to be essential for motivating teachers, enhancing performance, and ultimately raising the overall standards of education.

Heads of Schools Preparation of School Environment for Actualizing Student Mothers’ Continuation with Education in Public Secondary Schools in Dodoma Municipality

This study aimed to investigate the heads of schools' preparation of the school environment in actualizing student mothers’ continuation with education in public secondary schools in Dodoma municipality. Guided by the Clinical Supervision Model (CSM) developed by Goldhammar in 1969, the study used the convergent design under a mixed methods research approach. Targeted 40 heads of schools, 312 secondary school teachers, and 291 student-mothers, a sample of 6 heads of schools, 60 teachers, and 12 student-mothers was drawn, making a total of 78 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides whose validity was ensured by education experts in educational administration and planning. Based on the pilot test data, the reliability of teachers' and student mothers’ questionnaires was established through Likert-type items where 0.81 and 0.75 Cronbach-Alpha coefficients were separately obtained with the aid of SPSS version 22. The credibility and dependability of the qualitative data gathered through interview guides were carried out through instrument triangulation and peer debriefing approaches. At the same time as the qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in quotations, the quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and tabulated in frequencies, percentages, and means. The study revealed that public secondary schools in Dodoma Municipality did not have on-site childcare facilities. The study also exposes that schools are striving for inclusive learning, but lack counseling, mentorship, financial aid collaboration, teacher professional development, and flexible academic programs. The study concluded that there are still inadequacies in assistance, even if school administrators have made strides toward fostering inclusive learning environments and honoring the accomplishments of student mothers. As adaptive academic programs are being introduced, additional supportive measures should be strengthened. Student mothers should participate in school-run initiatives and programs intended to assist them.

Professional Competence of College Teachers: her Contribution to the Formation of skills of Social Interaction Skills Among Students of Inclusive Groups

Introduction. The article deals with the theoretical and methodological aspect of professional development of teachers of secondary vocational education. The analysis of the practice of colleges has revealed problems related to methodological support regulating the work of teachers in inclusive groups, insufficient level of professional competence of some teachersin the issues of psychological and pedagogical support of special students, difficulties in the organization of work on the formation of skills of social interaction among students of inclusive groups, etc. The analysis of the practice of colleges has revealed problems related to the methodological support regulating the work of teachers in inclusive groups. In thescientific literature, there is a lack of research on the topic of professional competence of college teachers; in particular, the issue of the influence of the level of competence of teachers on the formation of social interaction skills of students is clearly insufficiently covered. Objective. To study the professional competence of college teachers in the issues of formation of social interaction skills among students of inclusive groups and to develop the content of the professional development program for teachers. Materials and methods. The study used diagnostic procedures aimed at studying the professional competence of college teachers in the formation of social interaction skills among students of inclusive groups: questionnaire, informal conversation, observation of classes, adapted methods “Assessment of pedagogical culture of a teacher” (E. V. Bondarevskaya, T. F. Belousova)“Barriers in pedagogical activity”, “Assessment of teacher’s readiness for professional and pedagogical self-development” (N. P. Fetiskin, V. V. Kozlov, G. M. Manuilov). Results. The experiment has shown that teachers have an insufficient level of professional competence in the issues of formation of social interaction skills in students of inclusive groups. The authors developed a program to improve the professional competence of college teachers. As a result of its mastering, teachers expanded their understanding of the psychological characteristics of students with special educational needs and mastered the methods and techniques of organizing effective social interaction of students of inclusive groups. Discussion. The results of the repeated diagnostic study showed that the approbation of the professional development program contributed to the improvement of the level of competence of college teachers within the existing qualifications necessary for professional activity in the conditions of inclusion. The presented program of professional development can be recommended in the system of training and retraining of teachers of secondary vocational education.