Participation In Professional Development Research Articles

Teachers’ trajectories of technology integration during participation in an online professional development program

AbstractTechnology-related professional development (PD) is a crucial strategy to prepare and encourage teachers to integrate technology into their teaching in a high-quality way. During teachers’ participation in technology-related PD, change processes occur from a current to a desired status of technology-enhanced teaching (TET). A higher probability of disruption of TET can be assumed during these change processes. However, previous research on PD is mainly based on cross-sectional data that does not provide insight into such change processes (especially during PD participation). In this study, we examined teachers’ trajectories closely during their participation in a 3-month technology-related online PD (OPD). We conducted a concurrent explanatory mixed-methods approach to analyze longitudinal data from the first four weeks of the OPD, focusing on 23 teachers who completed weekly reflection diaries. Findings from a multilevel framework revealed that most of the variances in the development of teachers’ technology integration (i.e., frequency and quality) and motivation to use technology for teaching (i.e., self-efficacy and utility value) was due to contextual factors. Using linear mixed-effects models, we found a statistically significant decrease in teachers’ quality of TET over time. Analyses of reflections on TET of extreme cases allowed us to identify possible relevant contextual characteristics related to smoother TET: 1) the use of one generic technology across lessons and 2) the use of ready-to-use domain-specific technology. Implications for practice are discussed, such as attention to unintended side effects of teachers’ TET during instructional phases of technology-related OPD.

Comparing quality and engagement in face‐to‐face and online teacher professional development

AbstractIn order for teachers to successfully gain new knowledge during professional development (PD), courses must be of high quality and stimulate active involvement from participants. More and more PD courses are taking place online, without clear evidence of whether face‐to‐face and online courses differ in terms of their quality or level of participants' engagement. The present study investigates differences between face‐to‐face and online PD with respect to certain quality characteristics: clarity and structure, cognitive activation, collaboration and practical relevance, as well as participants' behavioural, cognitive and affective engagement. The study is based on 2210 teachers from Germany who participated in 1 of 137 face‐to‐face or 54 online PD courses. Although participants rated face‐to‐face and online courses very positively regarding all quality characteristics and engagement dimensions, they evaluated online courses slightly less favourably compared to face‐to‐face courses. Implications for practice and research are derived to help ensure high‐quality PD offerings in the future. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Face‐to‐face and online PD have the potential to be similarly effective. PD quality and participants' engagement can be assumed to be predictors of PD effectiveness. PD quality contains clarity and structure, cognitive activation, collaboration and practical relevance. Engagement is a three‐dimensional construct composed of behavioural, cognitive and affective components. What this paper adds PD quality was rated very positively for online and face‐to‐face courses. Participants rated the quality of online PD lower compared to face‐to‐face PD. Participants rated their engagement in online PD lower compared to face‐to‐face PD. Implications for practice and/or policy PD format should always be chosen with which a higher benefit can be achieved. Quality assurance should take place before PD is conducted.

Factors predicting teachers' implementation of inquiry‐based teaching practices: Analysis of South African TIMSS 2019 data from an ecological perspective

AbstractInquiry‐Based Teaching Practice (IBTP) is an essential component of science education, and promoting its implementation is at the heart of various reform efforts. Even though science teachers regard IBTP as an essential pedagogical method, they rarely use it for various reasons. This study utilizes Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework to examine potential factors at various levels of the educational ecosystem that predict the implementation of inquiry‐based teaching practices among Grade 9 science teachers in South Africa. To this end, quantitative data from 537 educators who participated in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019 national assessment were utilized. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that four variables at different socioeconomic levels were perceived to strongly predict teachers' implementation of inquiry teaching practices. These factors include teachers' job satisfaction, instructional resource shortage, and teachers' perception of the significance of various assessment strategies at the mesosystem level as well as teachers' participation in professional development at the exosystem level. Significant correlations exist between some of the predictive variables. Implications for policy are discussed.

Addressing the challenges of conference participation for the Pacific: a regional approach to maximise attendance and participation

ABSTRACT This paper delves into challenges faced by individuals from remote regions accessing international conferences and proposes culturally appropriate solutions. It shares insights examining remote conference hubs designed to improve attendance and connectivity to online conferences in three Pacific countries. Commissioned by the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI), the research aimed to understand barriers faced by remote attendees and document a model for future remote hubs. The findings, including participant feedback and the hub model, are transferable to diverse contexts. Initiated for the SPEVI bi-annual conference, three Pacific hubs facilitated increased attendance and interaction among Pacific Islanders. These hubs provided a space with good internet, facilitated local language communication, and fostered engagement with both main conference activities and specific local events. The collective approach of these hubs resonated with Pacific cultural values, resulting in enhanced participation and satisfaction. This research offers a globally applicable model for remote community participation in conferences and professional development. It provides unique insights from a Pacific perspective, contributing to inclusive conference participation by embracing Pacific ways of understanding and being and advocates for reshaping future online education conferences. Support for professional development in remote locations, emphasising inclusivity and accessibility for all, is discussed.

Effects of a Follow-up PD with Distance-based Peer Instructional Coaching on Secondary Science Teachers’ Inquiry-based Teaching Practices in Rural Schools

ABSTRACT Research has highlighted the significant decline in teachers’ implementation of newly acquired teaching practices following professional development (PD), primarily attributed to the absence of follow-up support. Even science teachers who have participated in intensive PD programs often encounter challenges in integrating new teaching practices into their classrooms. This study investigated the impact of a follow-up PD (PD 2) on 16 rural middle and high school science teachers and their students’ outcomes after their participation in an intensive PD the previous year (PD1). The findings showed that the teachers’ inquiry knowledge and confidence levels in teaching science remained stable or slightly improved up until the end of year 2, comparable to the levels measured at the end of year 1. Moreover, teachers who initially showed lower levels of knowledge and confidence were more likely to revert to their initial status after reaching a certain level during PD1. Regarding student outcomes, the posttest effect sizes for middle school students were substantial and statistically significant in both year 1 and year 2, compared to their pretest scores. While the effect sizes for high school students in year 1 were small, they became larger and significant in year 2. The findings suggest the practical advantages of implementing follow-up PD to provide continued support for teachers’ implementation in subsequent years. Additionally, this study presents a sustainable and cost-effective approach to deliver follow-up support to teachers, namely through a short-term PD accompanied by distance-based peer instructional coaching.

Physical Education Alternative Certification Programs: Learning Opportunities for Teacher Candidates

Purpose: This study investigated differences in (a) completion of teaching methods courses and (b) participation in professional development opportunities between alternatively and traditionally certified physical educators. Method: The sample included 1,850 physical educators (mean age: 42.7 years, male: 61.7%, female: 38.3%) from the 2017 to 2018 National Teacher and Principal Survey. Prevalence estimates of physical educators who (a) completed undergraduate or graduate teaching methods courses during their education and training and (b) participated in professional development were calculated. Results: The results of binary logistic regressions reveal that alternatively certified physical educators were less likely to complete various teaching methods courses before entering the teaching profession. In addition, there were no differences in participation in professional development except in instructional strategies for students with disabilities. Conclusion: Considering unprepared teachers tend to leave the profession early, alternative certification programs need to provide substantial levels of learning opportunities, including teaching methods courses.

Tracer Study of Education and Graduate Program Alumni (2016–2022) at Surigao Del Norte State University

Educational institutions strive to produce graduates who are competent and competitive both domestically and globally. This graduate tracer study investigated the employment outcomes of graduates from the College of Teacher Education (CTE) and Graduate School (GS) Programs from SY 2016-2022. Data collection methods included Google forms, surveys, and phone calls. Of the 2846 CTE graduates, 2491 (87.75%) were traced, and of the 659 GS graduates, 550 (83.45%) were traced. Findings revealed that CTE graduates were predominantly single females aged 24 or younger, who typically began working as permanent teachers at the Department of Education (DepEd) 2-3 years post-graduation, earning a base salary of P15,000–25,000. They generally served in these roles for 4-6 years. Conversely, GS alumni were primarily married men in their 30s, employed in permanent supervisory or managerial roles at DepEd, with monthly earnings between P25,000 and P50,000. Graduates reported that their university degrees were economically relevant and provided significant financial advantages. CTE graduates indicated that job satisfaction was more influenced by workplace interactions and environment than salary. The study suggests enhancing the use of social media to encourage graduate participation in tracer studies and recommends ongoing professional development for faculty to improve educational programs and prepare graduates with highly employable skills. Addressing job satisfaction disparities may require targeted interventions to improve educational programs, expand career development opportunities, and foster supportive work cultures tailored to each graduating class's needs.

Survey and situation analysis of personal, employer-related, and environmental factors affecting participation in continuous professional development (CPD) programs of laboratory professionals in Africa.

To determine the level and evaluate factors affecting the participation of laboratory professionals in continuous professional development (CPD) programs in eastern and southern Africa. A survey was conducted among laboratory professionals from 14 countries. The CPD participation was defined as low if it was fewer than 2 CPD trainings in the past 2 years. Associations between categorical variables were tested for significance using Fisher exact test. Of the expected 400, 283 (70% response rate) individuals participated in the survey. Of these, 153 (54%) had low CPD participation and 199 (70%) were aware of CPD educational activities in their respective country. Those with diploma certificates attended more CPD programs (P < .001) than those with undergraduate and master's degrees. Awareness of CPD programs was associated with a higher level of CPD participation (P = .0001). Job satisfaction was significantly associated with high levels of CPD participation (P = .02). Other factors associated with high level of participation in CPD programs included affordability (P = .03), funding by employer (P = .0005), and awareness of legal CPD requirements (P = .002). The CPD programs are considered useful to an individual's professional development, although there was low participation. It is recommended that different formats and platforms be used to expand CPD programs.

Use of Badges as Achievements to Enhance Online Learning

Background and Aim: Digital badges are electronic symbols used as microcredentials to document achievement or skills mastered such as course completion, professional development participation, or training completion. The use of digital badges is trending upward in higher education. This study was undertaken for digital badge creation and implementation and investigated the effects of a digital badge system, on three aspects of undergraduate learners: levels of intrinsic motivation, participation in online learning, and general attitudes toward digital badges. This study aimed to implement digital badges for online learning by medical undergraduates and evaluate student perception regarding digital badges. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted on 150 students of 1st MBBS 2020–2021 batch. WordPress platform was used to design website with additional plugins for registration, discussion forum, and achievement badges. Students were sensitized to digital badge system. Students gained points for posting replies to online discussion, viewing content and clarifying doubts, answering quizzes, and online submission of assignments. Using the points scored, a scale was designed for awarding badges. Student feedback on Likert scale and perception regarding satisfaction, and motivation toward academics by digital badges were collected and analyzed. Results: Participants had positive perceptions of the badges, finding them authentic and innovative. The respondents agreed that digital badges helped to set goals and motivated to achieve these goals. Most students who earned digital badges agreed that badges helped increase their confidence in course material (78%), focus on specific learning objectives (65%), look deeper into course competencies (71%), and motivated to attend online classes regularly (83%). Conclusion: The digital badges were positively received by students who commented favorably about digital badges in their learning. Digital badges were perceived by students as a positive adjunct to learning and may provide a novel mechanism to enhance online learning.

Unpacking the motivational variables which impact engagement in Lesson Study: Mathematics teaching self-efficacy and attitudes towards self-development

ABSTRACT Lesson study has received significant attention as a model of professional development among mathematics teachers. Evidence highlights its effectiveness in improving pedagogical practices and student learning, however, less is known about the predispositions which may encourage teachers’ participation in Lesson Study or the impact of participation on teachers’ attitudes. Such findings are relevant considering the voluntary context of teachers’ participation in professional development in Ireland. This research investigates the motivational variables which impact teachers’ participation in Lesson Study, specifically their self-efficacy in teaching mathematics for conceptual understanding and their attitudes towards self-development in Lesson Study. Post-primary mathematics teachers (N = 64), spanning various levels of experience in Lesson Study, completed a survey using a set of pre-validated scales. Findings indicate that teachers’ mathematics teaching self-efficacy is a significant predictor of their participation in Lesson Study. Furthermore, the research finds that teachers’ familiarity with Lesson Study impacts the likelihood of their participation in this model of teacher education. These findings build upon previous knowledge in this field and demonstrate the significance of teaching self-efficacy as a presage variable for developing a positive disposition towards Lesson Study. The paper discusses the implications of these findings for teacher education in Ireland.

Professional Identity as an Analytic Lens for Principal Learning in Contexts of Transformation

Purpose: Many efforts for educational transformation involve fundamentally new visions of the principal's role. This article examines the potential of an analytic framework for understanding principal learning in such contexts. An adaptation of an analytic approach to studying teacher learning, the framework examines learning as individual professional identity development situated within shifts in local definitions of competence for the role of the principal. Research Approach: Grounded in a sociocultural perspective, the analytic framework is designed for analysis of (a) how individuals develop new professional identities, and (b) how such learning is situated in contexts of shifting, local narratives and expectations about professional roles, responsibilities, and competence. The use of the analytic framework is illustrated through qualitative analysis of a case of a district effort to support four elementary principals to develop fundamentally different leadership practice specific to participation in teacher professional development. Findings: Illustrative findings reveal the gradual and complex development of principal role identities specific to the emerging expectations for practice. For the first part of the year, principals demonstrated evidence of enacting new practice out of compliance. As the year progressed, the analysis indicated that principals began to identify with new expectations for practice and shift their underlying conceptions of student and teacher learning. Implications: The analytic framework has methodological implications for how principal learning for the transformation of practice is conceptualized, studied, and supported in local contexts.

Pharmacy technician development: Insight into training, preparedness, and career-path perceptions

BackgroundAlthough opportunities for pharmacy technicians may be expanding, an increasing number of technicians have transitioned out of their roles. It is important to consider what could be done within education and training to promote the retention of pharmacy technicians. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to survey pharmacy technicians in the state of Ohio to identify key components of professional development. MethodsA survey was distributed through REDCap to 24,444 pharmacy technicians with active pharmacy technician licenses in the state of Ohio. Inclusion criteria required survey respondents to be at least 18 years old and currently working as a pharmacy technician. ResultsA total of 1386 surveys were fully completed (approximately 6% response rate). Professional development opportunities provided by employers varied across most practice sites, but continuing education was the most reported opportunity. Attending conferences, taking specialized training courses, and tuition reimbursement were less common. The top 3 barriers to professional development participation included additional cost, time, and perceived value. Guidance and mentorship from peers, achieving national certification, and formal on-the-job training were the most helpful in job preparation and training. The main reasons to achieve certification included increased pay, development opportunity, or employer requirement. When considering preparation for new roles, 57% of pharmacy technicians felt prepared or very prepared for the job after 90 days. As technicians continued throughout their careers, the training transitioned from formal hands-on training to self-guided training. ConclusionPharmacy technicians have a desire to remain in their roles, but participation in professional development opportunities was lacking owing to availability of options and barriers. Pharmacy practice sites interested in retaining technicians should invest in offering and encouraging pharmacy technicians to participate in development opportunities. To continue to develop pharmacy technicians, ongoing education and training tied to increased compensation may improve retention and foster an improved learning environment.

Examining the relationship between multiple facets of professional development and teacher job satisfaction in the United States

ABSTRACT Using data from the 2018 U.S. Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), this study examined the relationship between five aspects of professional development (PD) – teacher participation in different formats, content, duration, quality, and barriers to participation – and teacher job satisfaction. Our multilevel model results indicate that quality of PD consistently has a significant relationship with an increase in teacher job satisfaction and barriers to participation in PD persistently have a negative relationship to teacher job satisfaction. Our findings suggest that teachers value opportunities to engage in PD and that providing PD activities that include characteristics leading to positive qualities is crucial to enhance teacher job satisfaction through PD.

Grade R Teacher Expressions of Themselves as Teachers of Early Numeracy Participating in an Intervention Programme

This paper explores Grade R teacher expressions of themselves as teachers of numeracy, and as teachers working in the transition phase of schooling, after their participation in a research-informed numeracy-focused professional development (PD) intervention. The Early Number Fun (ENF) programme had 33 teachers from 17 Eastern Cape schools participating monthly over 18 months. Inclusion of Grade R to schooling is relatively new following policy changes in Early Childhood Development. In-service support tends to be subsumed within the Foundation Phase without attention to the specialised nature of Grade R that emphasises learning through play. ENF focused on the development of specialised teacher knowledge to support the development of early number sense through play, particularly with conceptual manipulatives. Data sources include three pre-, during, and post-PD questionnaires. Findings reveal that participation in ENF, and access to multiple research informed numeracy resources, supported teachers in their relationship with numeracy and the teaching thereof. Questionnaire responses indicate greater confidence in themselves as knowledgeable teachers of numeracy and that belonging to the ENF community supported navigation of positive professional identities within the mixed messages of policy. The findings contribute to the community-supported field of Grade R PD research and early numeracy teaching and learning. In concluding we discuss implications of this research for Grade R PD and for policy.

Predicting teachers’ intent to use inquiry-based learning in the classroom after a professional development

In the United States, there is an increasing need for high school students to enhance their science proficiency. Inquiry-based learning (IBL) can serve as a teaching strategy to increase students’ science proficiency levels, but it is critical that teachers are equipped with the knowledge needed to teach IBL. In this study, we aimed to describe the impact that a professional development (PD) about integrating IBL into curricula has on science and agriscience teachers’ intent to use IBL. The theory of planned behavior, as well as confidence, guided this evaluation. A paper survey was distributed to the PD participants after the in-person part of a prolonged PD. Survey questions were related to respondents’ confidence, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and intent in using the IBL animal science concepts. Findings from this study indicate that teachers developed an increased confidence, possessed positive attitudes, were influenced by subjective norms, and felt that barriers could be controlled. However, attitude was the only significant predictor of intent to integrate the IBL animal science concepts. We recommend pursuing a follow-up with the teachers after implementation of the IBL lessons to gain a better understanding of the practicality of IBL in the classroom.

Self-directed professional development activities: An autoethnography

This article explores my participation in teacher professional development (PD) practices. In a form of an autoethnography, I present an account of my experiences in self-directed PD activities and institution-mandated ones, highlighting benefits of PD activities that were self-initiated. My self-directed PD activities seem to promote ongoing engagements. In this article, I also reflect on how financial costs affected my attitude towards institution-mandated PD. However, in self-directed PD, I invested my time and financial resources. This article also highlights the way self-directed PD activities shaped my worldview, from questioning the legitimacy of qualitative research to celebrating the subjective human experience.

How effective is the professional development in which teachers typically participate? Quasi-experimental analyses of effects on student achievement based on TIMSS 2003–2019

This study examines the effect of teachers’ participation in mathematics and science professional development (PD) on student achievement in nationally representative settings. We use data from all OECD countries in the 2003 through 2019 cycles of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and apply student fixed effects to control for unobserved student characteristics and school quality. We find a small negative average effect of PD participation, with negative effects concentrated among high-performing students. We discuss potential explanations of these results and suggest ways PD studies may inform the PD in which teachers typically participate.

Will, skills, or conscientiousness: What predicts teachers’ intentions to participate in technology-related professional development?

To unfold the potential of learning with technology in classrooms, teachers must be prepared to integrate it meaningfully and with high instructional quality. Professional development (PD) is an important avenue for preparing in-service teachers to integrate technology into their teaching. Whereas existing research indicates that teachers’ motivation predicts classroom technology use and participation in PD, knowledge about other predictors (e.g., technology-related knowledge and personality) is scarce. This scarcity is surprising because technology-related prior knowledge and, for example, conscientiousness are especially important in systems in which teachers choose PD voluntarily. In this study, we analyzed unique data from 321 in-service teachers whose schools were randomized to receive one-to-one technology. Using sequential linear and nonlinear regression, we examined the extent to which teachers’ will, skills, and conscientiousness simultaneously (rather than separately) predicted their intentions to participate in technology-related PD. Controlling for important personal and contextual characteristics, we found robust evidence that the perceived utility of technology in classrooms was a stronger predictor of participation intentions than technology-related knowledge and conscientiousness. Contrary to existing assumptions, our findings illustrate that teachers should still be made aware of the utility of technology for instruction to strengthen their intentions to participate in technology-related PD.

Factors affecting teacher job satisfaction: a causal inference machine learning approach using data from TALIS 2018

ABSTRACT Teacher shortages and attrition are problems of international concern. One of the most frequent reasons for teachers leaving the profession is a lack of job satisfaction. Accordingly, in this study we have adopted a causal inference machine learning approach to identify practical interventions for improving overall levels of job satisfaction. We apply our methodology to the English subset of the data from TALIS 2018. Of the treatments we investigate, participation in continual professional development and induction activities are found to have the most positive effect. The negative impact of part-time contracts is also demonstrated.

Improving Access to General Education via Co-Teaching in Secondary Mathematics Classrooms: An Evaluation of Utah’s Professional Development Initiative

Co-teaching may be a promising strategy to improve inclusive secondary mathematics education in rural schools. Professional development (PD) aids in special and general education teachers’ co-teaching implementation, yet little empirical research examines how to effectively train and support co-teachers. In this study, we describe one state’s PD model for secondary mathematics co-teaching, evaluate outcomes of the PD on co-teachers’ behaviors and beliefs, and examine the impact of co-teaching on students’ mathematics achievement. We examined data from observations, surveys, and students’ pre/post assessments across nine classes within seven school districts, including three rural school districts, over 3 years. We report data from a total of 19 teachers and 281 students in sixth through ninth grades. The PD participants implemented effective co-teaching strategies and reported positive viewpoints toward co-teaching. Additionally, students with and without disabilities improved their mathematics scores. We present key findings for rural schools to guide future implementation and research.