Effectiveness Of Professional Development Program Research Articles

Exploring the Relationship between Teacher Professional Development and Student Learning Outcomes

Teacher professional development is a key factor in improving education quality and student learning outcomes. This study aims to explore the relationship between teacher professional development and student learning outcomes and identify factors that influence the effectiveness of professional development programs. The method used in this research is a literature review that includes analyzing various studies related to teacher professional development and its impact on student learning outcomes. This study collected data from relevant articles, journals and research reports. The results of the review show that teacher professional development contributes significantly to improving student learning outcomes through improving pedagogical competence, technology utilization and classroom management. However, there are obstacles such as a lack of teacher motivation that affects the effectiveness of the program. This study provides important implications for stakeholders, showing the need for collaboration between the government, educational institutions and teachers in creating a sustainable professional development system. With adequate support, it is expected that professional development can effectively improve the quality of education and student learning outcomes, as well as create a learning environment that is more inclusive and responsive to students' needs.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Professional Development Programs, School Committee Participation, and Government Support on Teacher Performance in East Java

This study examines the influence of government support, professional development programs, and school committee participation on teacher performance in East Java, Indonesia. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 230 teachers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results reveal that government support has the strongest positive effect on teacher performance, followed by professional development programs and school committee participation. Together, these factors explain 57.7% of the variance in teacher performance. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive strategies to improve teacher performance, emphasizing the need for strong government policies, continuous professional development, and active community involvement. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and educational leaders seeking to enhance the quality of education through improved teacher performance.

Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions on the Use of Technological Tools in Teaching and Learning Practices in Selected Rwandan Secondary Schools

This article assessed one objective derived from an unpublished master's thesis with the title "Factors Constraining the Effective Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching and Learning Mathematics: Case Study of Selected Secondary Schools in Rwanda." The objective of this study was to investigate how mathematics teachers perceive the use of technological tools in teaching and learning mathematics. Gregory's constructivist theory of perception served as the anchor for the research. A case study research design was adopted. The research focused on secondary school mathematics teachers in 10 selected Rwandan schools. Purposive sampling was employed to choose 20 mathematics teachers. Primary data was obtained through open-ended questionnaires along with semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Study outcomes indicated that perceptions of mathematics teachers' of embracing technological tools are formed by their familiarity with technology, confidence in adopting it, and the help they get in incorporating it into their teaching procedures. The study concluded that teachers ought to participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs aimed at technological tools to enhance confidence and boost their integration into teaching. According to research, school leaders should ensure access to the most up-to-date technological resources and offer customized training to facilitate effective technology adoption in mathematics teaching. The study further suggested that Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) and the National Examination and Schools Inspection Authority (NESA) should enforce extensive training programs, avail more resources in essential technological infrastructure, and boost research and best practices to encourage innovation. Additional research should broaden its context to include different perspectives, evaluate the long-term impact of technological tools on student outcomes, and assess the effectiveness of professional development programs.

Meningkatkan Kopetensi Guru Bahasa Indonesia Melalui Program Pengembangan Profesional

This study examines the effectiveness of professional development programs for Indonesian language teachers at SMA 2 and SMA 9 Sijunjung in improving their teaching competence. The focus of the research includes analysis of improving teaching competence, student involvement, and creativity in teaching after participating in the program. The research method used included observation and interviews with the five teachers involved. The results of the study show that professional development programs have a significant positive impact. Teachers have experienced an increase in the application of innovative teaching methodologies and the use of educational technology. Student involvement in the learning process also increases, characterized by active participation in class discussions and assignments. The use of digital media such as learning videos and podcasts helps increase teachers' creativity in delivering more interesting and relevant material. In conclusion, professional development programs play an important role in supporting the improvement of the quality of Indonesian education, with positive implications for developing students' potential and preparing them for an increasingly complex future..

Assessing Teacher Competencies in Public Schools of Pakistan: A Pathway for Improving the Effectiveness of Professional Development Programs for Teachers

Professional development (PD) programs are considered as essential for improving the teacher quality and performance in schools. Despite introducing several PD programs, the teachers’ quality in the public schools is a matter of concern for Pakistan. It has become a challenge for policymakers and school leaders to design PD programs which can be effective for all teachers. PD programs in Pakistan normally undertakes a standard approach without considering the strengths and weaknesses of different groups of teachers which may not address the specific needs of these groups. There is a need of structuring PD programs to make these learning opportunities more effective for teachers. Therefore, the current study evaluates the teacher competencies of different groups of teachers in Pakistan’s public schools. For that purpose, the study first identifies three key themes of teacher competencies required in 21st century from extant review of recent literature. Interview guide then is designed based on these key teacher competencies to solicit information from seven principals of public schools. The public schools were selected using the criteria of size of school and principal working experience in that school. Structured interviews been used as a medium for collecting data from the principals. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The deductive content analysis approach was used in analyzing the data. The analytical tool used for the coding of themes was the MAXQDA software. The results highlighted certain differences in teacher competencies varying from gender to age. Female teachers and teachers who are younger in general are found to have more competencies compared to male teachers and senior teachers. The results of this study offer vital information for planning and tailoring TPD programs for teachers. These specially designed learning opportunities can be more effective for the professional development of teachers and can foster teachers’ competence.

Teacher Autonomy and Preferences in Professional Development: A Comprehensive Survey of Florida Educators

Most educators around the world are required to participate in professional development activities in order to renew certification or licensure and ensure employees are up to standard. This study examined the professional development needs of 1,167 in-service teachers in Florida, United States, through a comprehensive survey. Findings revealed discrepancies between the current decision-making process for teachers’ professional development and their preferences. Teachers expressed a strong preference for autonomy in identifying their professional development needs, as well as a desire for more diverse formats, such as teacher observations and conference attendance. Additionally, the study found that teachers highly value professional development activities during designated days set aside by the school system and express interest in incorporating college or university settings into their experiences. The survey results also highlighted teachers’ preferences for effective professional development experiences, encompassing four key components: addressing what teachers need to know, demonstrating how to do it, suggesting best practices on implementation, and leaving time for specific questions. Furthermore, teachers demonstrated a clear understanding of their professional development needs, covering a range of topics such as effective teaching practices, classroom management, and integrating technology. Based on these findings, the study proposes a centralized professional development system, allowing teachers to input their needs and search for approved opportunities, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of professional development programs.

The Effectiveness of MOE-Endorsed Professional Development Programs as Perceived by Jordanian EFL Teachers

This study aims at examining the potential effect of Ministry of Education (MOE)- endorsed teacher professional development programs on Jordanian EFL teachers’ practices as perceived by the teachers themselves. A five-section Likert-scaled questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 328 (of the 681) EFL teachers enrolled in professional development programs at Qasabet Irbid Directorate of Education in 2021/2022. The respondents expressed moderate views as to the effectiveness of the professional development programs endorsed by the MOE. General dissatisfaction was reported for several reasons, most important amongst which is inability to satisfy teachers’ needs due to inadequate coverage of general competencies, teaching skills and methodology, classroom management, and assessment. The findings also revealed a moderate agreement with the training programs, which were reported to need to better address integrated assessment and constructive feedback and to be subjected to continuous evaluation and improvement. Several relevant recommendations and pedagogical implications were put forth.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Professional Development Programs for Junior High School Mathematics Teachers in Improving Mathematics Instruction in the K to 12 Curriculum in the Philippines

This study assessed the effectiveness of a professional development program for junior high school mathematics teachers in the Philippines and analyzed their achievement test results in Mathematics. The study aimed to identify the factors affecting the quality of mathematics instruction and propose solutions to these challenges. The study found that while most teachers were consistent in their lesson planning and content delivery, they need to improve their questioning techniques, differentiated techniques, and strategies to develop higher-order thinking skills. The study suggests that teachers need to enhance their teaching practices to achieve the K to 12 Curriculum goals, prepare students for better work opportunities, and contribute to the nation's economy. Professional development programs can provide opportunities for mathematics teachers to increase their knowledge and confidence in the subject. By improving their teaching practices, teachers can help enhance the quality of mathematics education in the Philippines. This study highlights the challenges mathematics teachers face in the country and the need for professional development programs to help them improve their teaching practices. The findings have important implications for mathematics education in the country, which can help raise the quality of education and the nation's economy.

The Readiness of Stakeholders in the Scientific Inquiry-Supported Mentoring Project

The effectiveness of professional development programs for teachers in Turkey is limited because the programs are not designed to meet individual teacher needs. Although teachers are implementers who perform classroom practices, they are in the role of students in these programs. The project supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Turkey (TUBITAK) 1001-Grant 220K080 entitled “Designing and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Scientific Inquiry Supported by Online Mentoring (e-scaffolding) in In-service Teacher Training” aims to examine and evaluate a professional development model. The project involves various strategies, such as mentorship, coaching, peer learning, and collaboration, for prioritizing teachers’ ideas and expectations. This study intends to reveal the readiness of the stakeholders (participating teachers and mentors) in the online mentoring model supported by scientific inquiry as part of the professional development process of teachers. The prominent results of the research are that teachers have positive opinions about the importance of scientific inquiry-based learning and teaching, teachers’ expectations from professional development programs vary by their levels of experience. In conclusion, this study is important in terms of making teachers’ voices heard and designing professional development programs in line with their expectations.

Factors that impact on the effectiveness of professional development programs for science teachers in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian Government has made a substantial investment in reforming the science curriculum in Saudi Arabia. The need for effective professional development (PD) programs is especially crucial in the context of recent curriculum reform in Saudi Arabia. The country has adopted new science curricula following the guidelines of renowned global publishers like McGraw-Hill. However, the introduction of the new science curriculum is posing challenges for science teachers, as it requires a paradigm shift from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred pedagogy. The research for this research involved an in-depth study on the impact of mandatory PD programs on Saudi Arabian science teachers in order to identify potential challenges to achieving the expected level of benefit from the PD programs. This study used a qualitative approach to data collection techniques. through employs three main methods for data collection, observation ,open-ended questionnaire and interview. the most effective professional development programs are likely to be those that address the specific subject matter that relates to the teaching issues faced daily by teachers, rather than those that cover vague and decontextualised educational or pedagogical concepts. Other factors include teachers’ involvement in learning communities, the facilities and resources provided by the school, and individual learning styles. On the other hand, common factor responsible for the failure of professional development programs is that the content covered is not relevant to the teachers’ specific needs. PD programs in Saudi Arabia are mainly focused on quantity instead of quality

Learning to Teach Mathematics Through Problem Posing: Teachers’ Beliefs and Their Instructional Practices

This study investigated the changes in six teachers’ beliefs and instructional practices regarding teaching through problem posing. They participated in a series of four problem-posing workshops and volunteered to share a videotaped lesson that integrated problem posing in the final workshop. We examined teachers’ familiarity with and confidence about teaching mathematics through problem posing as well as their willingness to enact problem-posing-based instruction. We also evaluated that enactment in six mathematics lessons, and we identified consistencies and inconsistencies between the teachers’ beliefs and their instructional practice. Four different categories were identified relating the teachers’ beliefs and the qualities of their classroom teaching using problem posing. This study has implications for improving the effectiveness of professional development programs.

Meta-analysis of professional development programs in differentiated instruction

Differentiated instruction is a key indicator of effective teaching, but difficult to implement. Thus, educators have called for professional development (PD) programs on the topic. Based on 27 selected studies, this meta-analysis examined the overall effectiveness of PD programs in terms of teacher and student outcomes, and assessed theoretically relevant PD program features as moderators. Our findings indicated that PD programs have a medium effect on teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices. Furthermore, teachers improved more in their differentiation practices if a PD program was provided within a specific subject domain. As PD programs had no significant effect on students’ learning, the relation between teacher development and student learning requires further scrutiny so that students will benefit from their teachers’ learning.

The reality of implementing professional development programs for Jeddah Secondary Public Schools Female teachers and means to develop them in light of KSA’s 2030 Vision from Schools Leadership Supervisory Perspectives: واقع تطبيق برامج التنمية المهنية لدى قائدات المدارس الثانوية الحكومية في جدة وسبل تطويرها في ضوء رؤية 2030 من وجهة نظر مشرفات القيادة المدرسية

This study aimed to discover the status of implementing the professional development programs for female school leaders in secondary public schools in Jeddah from the perspectives of school leadership supervisors as well as the means of improving these programs in light of 2030 Vision. The study adopted the mixed method research design and utilized the questionnaire as a tool to collect data from a sample of (22) school leaders’ supervisors. Findings revealed that secondary school leaders in Jeddah do apply professional development programs in relation to making decision and strategic planning domains in light of 2030 Vision at a moderate level. Also, findings revealed that the effectiveness of professional development programs for educational leaders at schools is manifested in these programs being participatory, have clear and systematic goals, continuous, enriching and sustainable. The study concluded with a recommendation to provide workshops and training programs to support the school leaders, and to encourage and motivate school leaders to continue to follow up on strategic planning practices on monthly and annual basis.

The relationship between health care providers' perceived work climate, organizational commitment, and caring efficacy at pediatric intensive care units, Cairo University.

Healthy work environment has a significant impact on patients, health care workers, and organizations. In a trial to set up strategies to control stressors and weaknesses in the work environment, the present study took place in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) to explore the work environment and its impact on the organization commitment and caring efficacy of health care providers. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted over a period of 9 months starting from October 2018. A self-administered questionnaire, based on "The American Association of Critical Care Nurses Standards for Establishing and Sustaining Healthy Work Environments" and "Brewer & Look's organizational commitment scale and theory of self-efficacy," was given to 63 physicians and 73 nurses of PICUs at Cairo University Children Hospital in Egypt. Nurses were significantly more pleased with their work climate and more committed to their organization and had higher self-efficacy than physicians. A significant direct correlation was detected between healthy environment perception and organizational commitment and between organization commitment and perceived caring efficacy. The study findings might be incorporated into practice to create a positive PICUs' environment, enhance staff satisfaction, and efficiency to promote quality of care paying attention to the junior staff especially physicians. Additional studies are required to recognize the coping strategies that health care providers use and to test the effectiveness of professional development program along with healthy environment interventions.

An Analysis of Teachers’ Professional Development Program at Elementary Level

ABSTRACTThis study explores the effectiveness of professional development program of public and private sector at the elementary level. A survey was conducted by involving elementary teachers from the public and private sector, who were involved in teacher training program. A questionnaire` was developed targeting the four key factors of the training programs: suitability of the resources, quality of the content and management, competency of the trainers, and usefulness of the training program. Simple random sampling technique was applied to collect the data from the trainee elementary teachers of the public and the private sector. 750 trainee teachers from the public sector and 600 elementary teachers from the private sector were selected from the five districts of the Punjab province. The data was analyzed on the basis of four factors in the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and t-test were calculated to analyze the data. The findings discovered a significant difference in the opinion of trainees in both public and private sector in view of the “usefulness for trainees” (p-value= 0.041).The rest of the three factors were insignificant which means trainees from both public and private sector having the same opinion about the training program. The possible reasons for these insignificant findings and implications were discussed.

Exploring the Personal, Social and Occupational Elements of Teacher Professional Development

In a neoliberal political context, educational reform is seen as largely dependent on the individual teacher and his or her ability to continue developing and improving his or her practice with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. Professional development (PD) is therefore reliant on teachers to embrace new models of practice, to engage with these new approaches, to correctly interpret the PD ideas for application to the teaching and learning process, and ultimately implement new models and ideas in their classrooms (Huber & Hiltmann, 2011). This paper seeks to examine more closely three aspects of PD that have been found in the research literature to have a significant impact on the effectiveness of PD programs, because of their focus on, and consideration of the individual teacher. Aligning with Fraser, Kennedy, Reid, and McKinney (2007), successful PD programs that have a distinct focus on the personal, social and occupational aspects of teacher development will be discussed.

Using the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scales with lower-primary teachers

The Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scales (FSMAS) are among the most popular instruments used in studies of attitudes toward mathematics. However, the FSMAS has been mainly used among student populations and rarely used with teachers. In the present study, three scales from the FSMAS—Confidence, Effectance Motivation, and Anxiety—were revised and used with lower-primary (kindergarten to third grade) teachers. This study includes three parts: (1) a pilot study to ensure the modifications made to the FSMAS were appropriate to use with teachers, (2) confirmatory factor analyses to assess the factor structure of the revised FSMAS with 225 lower-primary teachers, and (3) measurement invariance analyses using data from a similar sample of 171 lower-primary teachers to examine whether the revised FSMAS measures each construct in the same way as in the previous sample. The final three-factor model, after removing three problematic items, achieves acceptable model fit, with each construct meeting all conditions for strict measurement invariance. Additionally, repeated measures analyses were performed on data collected from 39 in-service lower-primary teachers who participated in an elementary mathematics specialist program to examine the use of the revised FSMAS in program evaluation. Overall results suggest that researchers and program evaluators may use the revised FSMAS to reliably measure lower-primary teachers’ mathematical attitudes, and it can be a valuable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of professional development programs.

Developing Teachers’ Expertise to Teach English Language: An Evaluative Study of Professional Development Programme at Taif University English Language Centre

Language teachers need opportunities to enhance and update their language teaching skills. Current researches in English language teaching methodologies have proved that teachers who stay up to date with latest teaching techniques are always efficient. They always need to be trained and aware of how they can continue being effective teachers and cope with relative challenges such as students’ low level of language proficiency, large number of students in class at a time and longer teaching hours. Hence the sole objective of the present research is to evaluate the effectiveness of Professional Development Program (PDP) of Taif University. Seeking for this objective, the researcher collected the data through a questionnaire from the participating teachers both males (50) and females (50). The survey was based on five principles drawn by Loucks-Horsley, et al. (2010). The respondents acknowledged the utility and importance of continuous up gradation of their professional development and leadership skills. They also acknowledged that PDP provides learning opportunity for them. Furthermore they regarded PDP in line with the TU-ELC mission, goal, and objectives. However, they expressed constraints regarding experimentation of new instructional practices, continuous support and follow-up activities, and a research base similar to the ELC situation, community and context.

The Validation of an Instrument for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Professional Development Program on Teaching Online

Attending professional development (PD) on teaching online is becoming popular for teachers in today’s K-12 online education. Due to the unique characteristics of the online instructional environments, surveys become the most feasible approach to evaluate the effectiveness of PD programs. However, there is no validated, open-access instrument available to satisfy the needs. Purpose of this study is to conduct construct validity, content validity, concurrent validity, and reliability tests on an open-access instrument for K–12 PD for online teaching. With the exception of a few items that have minor issues on content and construct validity, results show that the survey is, in general, a valid and reliable instrument. Suggestions and potential applications of the instrument are also discussed.

Developing effective professional development programs: a case study

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the practices of a well-established professional development committee (PDC) at an academic library to reveal the development of effective professional development programs with various themes and the diversified delivering formats and the assessment of library employees’ training needs and the effectiveness of professional development programs with Needs Assessment Surveys and Program Follow-up Employee Opinion Surveys. Professional development programs are widely adopted in academic libraries to support the professional growth of library employees and improve the quality of library services. Developing, promoting and administering professional development programs are main responsibilities of the PDC. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based upon the PDC’s recent practices since 2011. The Needs Assessment Surveys (in 2012 and 2013) are conducted electronically, so are the Opinion Surveys since 2013 which are formerly conducted in paper. Findings – The well-planned professional development program themes with special designed delivery formats have demonstrated their effectiveness through high attendance of each professional development event. The positive results and high compliments from both Need Assessment Surveys and Opinion Surveys also endorse their values to employee’s professional growth. Originality/value – This paper classifies various professional development program ideas into six program themes and three special delivery formats, and each is presented with intention, planning and organization. This paper also provides details of using different Need Assessment Surveys and Opinion Surveys for evaluation, which is also lacked in published literature.