Professional Development Course Research Articles

Designing a Communication Skills Professional Development Course for Healthcare Professionals in the UAE: Reflections on the Process, Challenges, Successes, and Implications

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has expanded to support increasingly economic and technologically competitive environments, often governed by Adult Learning and Education (ALE) principles. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), however, despite the importance given to CPD, the field of ALE remains underdeveloped. Bearing this in mind, a group of five UAE-based trainers documented the design and implementation of a Communication Skills for Caregivers course using the Interactive Model of Program Planning by Caffarella and Daffron. This article discusses the process followed to contribute to the region’s ALE/CPD design discourse as well as to reflect on the trainers’ practices and provide recommendations and implications for future CPD.

Teaching pragmatics to instructors of L2 Japanese: A relevance-theoretic approach

There are few continuing professional development (CPD) courses for language instructors who want to incorporate the teaching of pragmatics, particularly outside second and foreign language (L2) English and Spanish (e.g., Cohen et al., 2023; Vellenga, 2011). Furthermore, most courses rarely include pragmatics theories that describe the cognitive processes involved in communication. To address this gap, this study assesses what pre-service and in-service instructors of L2 Japanese (n = 9) know about pragmatics and presents data from a 3-hCPD course. The CPD is based on Sperber & Wilson's (1986/1995) Relevance Theory, an ostensive-inferential pragmatics theory that explains the cognitive mechanisms used to interpret utterances. These cognitive processes and how to teach them are explained through a pedagogical framework that equips instructors with the pragmatic knowledge and tools needed to help their learners achieve effective communication.A qualitative pre- and post-test was employed to ascertain instructors' knowledge of pragmatics and ability to activate their pragmatic competence. Focus groups with each cohort were conducted to gather insights into instructors' willingness and preparedness to teach pragmatics. The CPD increased both participants' understanding of pragmatics and knowledge of how to activate learners' pragmatic competence. The data also reveals differences between pre-service and in-service teachers, as well as native and non-native speakers’ willingness to include pragmatics in their teaching.

Preparing Health Professions Educators for Online and Blended Learning Environments: A Mixed Methods Study

Online and blended teaching and learning (OBTL) are integral to the future and success of higher education, including health professions education. Institutions with a goal of developing high-quality online and blended programs must prioritize time and resources dedicated to professional development and training. This research study utilized an online professional development course as an intervention to gain deeper insights into the scope of faculty development to effectively teach in online and blended learning environments. The study, utilizing a convergent mixed methods approach, gathered data through a pre- and post- intervention survey measuring health professions faculty readiness to teach online, a knowledge-based test, and post-intervention focus group discussions. Statistically significant differences in survey and test scores were observed between pre- and post-intervention and advantages of the intervention were highlighted in the focus group discussions. These key findings suggest the efficacy and influence of the educational intervention. Additionally, barriers and recommendations for enhancement were identified, including a notable gap between perceived importance and perceived capability among faculty members. This information pinpoints areas where professional development and support may be beneficial. Outcomes of the study provide valuable insights into health professions faculty members' knowledge, readiness, and perceptions related to teaching in online or blended educational environments.

A professional training to make English language instructors AI-ready

Abstract This qualitative case study aims to investigate the impact of a specially designed professional development course on three aspects: English language instructors’ (1) knowledge, (2) skills, and (3) self-efficacy in integrating AI into their teaching. Cognitive apprenticeship and socio-constructivism set the theoretical foundations of this course. Working with 20 instructors at university, the researcher used two data sources (participants’ opinions and their recorded lessons) and four data collection tools (pre-post course interviews, weekly-assigned implementations, their self-reflections on their AI use, and feedback on the course) to evaluate the impact of this course. The data suggest that this AI course for English language instructors likely made a significant difference, enhancing AI integration into teaching. This training could serve as a model for AI-ready instructors, improving their knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy. There are also some data that highlight challenges and limitations, unveiling different aspects of this complex field of study.

Assessment polarity or praxis parity? Uncovering the learning-oriented assessment (LOA) landscape of novice and experienced Iranian EFL teachers

Although learning-oriented assessment (LOA) has been recognized as an effective method of assessment, the literature on this concept in relation to teacher professionalism is limited. In response to this gap, the present study explored 16 Iranian novice and experienced EFL teachers’ beliefs and practices of LOA. Data were collected from self-reported practices and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the data through MAXQDA revealed that the novice and experienced teachers’ LOA beliefs featured similarities and differences. While the novice teachers’ LOA beliefs were less sophisticated, experienced teachers highlighted a more central role for LOA in their integration of teaching and assessment. Moreover, while novice teachers preferred using self- and peer assessment, the experienced teachers used more portfolio and dynamic assessment for their LOA-related practices. The study provides implications for teachers and teacher educators to use LOA in professional development courses.

TEACHER MULTILINGUAL BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN THE ENGLISH CLASSROOM: IMPLICATIONS FOR COURSE DEVELOPMENT

The CEFR and the Companion Volume to the CEFR (Council of Europe, 2001, 2020), as the main language policy documents in Europe, intend to improve the standard of language teaching, learning and assessment. These documents among other things proclaim students’ diverse linguistic repertoire as an asset in the language classroom. In this light, the promotion of multilingual education initiatives and enhancing students’ plurilingualism is an educational requirement. Teachers, language teachers included, are seen as agents of change who can foster multilingual approaches in their language classrooms (Krulatz et al., 2022). Although previous studies have found that many language teachers hold favourable views on multilingualism, they face challenges when implementing multilingual approaches in the (foreign) language classroom. Teachers’ beliefs on multilingualism in (foreign) language teaching and learning and how these impact their teaching practices have not been investigated in the Ukrainian education context, which has always been multilingual. The purpose of the article is to share and discuss the results of a quantitative study designed to investigate Ukrainian teacher beliefs in learning English and whether these beliefs are reflected in teaching practices. Data were collected using an online questionnaire administered to 73 English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers from 12 Ukrainian universities. The research questions were ascertained using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The collected insights helped to identify areas that require a more careful consideration in the multilingual education in Ukraine. The outcomes reveal complex and uneven relationships between teacher multilingual beliefs and the implementation of multilingual practices in EFL classrooms in Ukraine, with discrepancies in their perceptions and practices. The main finding suggests that the majority of Ukrainian language teachers have a favorable perception of multilingualism, yet they lack the required expertise and confidence to effectively build on their students' linguistic resources in teaching English. In addition, there are some critical gaps in teacher understanding of fundamental concerns about multilingualism. Suggestions will be made for a scenario-based approach to a teacher professional development course.

“I’ve become more critical”: Development of Dutch elementary teachers’ beliefs about history and history teaching in an inquiry-based professional learning program

This study aims to explore how elementary school teachers’ beliefs about the nature of history and pedagogical beliefs about teaching history developed over the course of a two-year professional development (PD) program and which elements of the program stimulated this development. This PD program aimed to develop participants’ skills in historical reasoning and in designing inquiry-based history lessons that encourage students to reason historically. Teachers engaged in historical reasoning and developed and implemented activities for inquiry-based learning in their history lessons. In this qualitative study, we interviewed nine teachers before and after the program, and they completed the Beliefs about Learning and Teaching History questionnaire before, during and after the program. Thematic analysis of the data shows that elementary teachers participating in our PD program developed more nuanced beliefs about history. Both epistemic and pedagogical beliefs became more crystallized and more criterialist in nature, but it is especially participants’ pedagogical beliefs that became more oriented toward inquiry into historical sources and the importance of developing historical reasoning skills in students. Our findings also indicate that more naïve ideas remained in addition to more nuanced beliefs. Participants indicated that their pedagogical beliefs about teaching history and conducting historical inquiry changed because of the program. Based on the final interviews, we identified five elements that enhanced participants’ professional development toward teaching inquiry-based history lessons and influenced their epistemic beliefs. It was the combination of engaging in historical inquiry, modeling by the facilitator, participating in group discussions about historical inquiry, searching for historical sources themselves and developing and discussing their own lesson designs and putting them into practice that made participants see the possibilities of inquiry-based history learning and stimulated the development of their beliefs. The findings of this study imply that to prepare elementary teachers to teach history in a way that fosters inquiry into historical sources and historical reasoning, PD programs and teacher education should pay attention to the epistemology of history as a discipline and provide teachers with tools to do inquiry.

The Characteristics Of The Ideal Lecturer From The Female Students' Perspective And The Relationship Of These Characteristics With Student’s Motivation Towards Learning

This research aims to determine the characteristics of ideal lecturers at the College of Education for Girls (from a student's perspective) and the relationship between these characteristics and student motivation to learn. This research included three hypotheses and was applied to students at the College of Education for Girls - Tikrit University. Researchers relied on an ideal lecturer characteristics scale (from the student's perspective) and a learning motivation scale, both of which were developed electronically, using a correlational descriptive approach. The sample consisted of 190 students, and the sample was selected using a quasi-random method. Several statistical methods are used to process the results obtained by researchers. After obtaining and discussing the results, several conclusions were obtained which can be summarized as follows: Positive lecturer personality traits increase student-teacher interaction and make a significant contribution to the success of the educational process. Apart from that, students' motivation in studying the subjects they study is influenced by the personal qualities of their lecturers. The study resulted in a series of recommendations: (i) updating ongoing professional development courses for all lecturers to provide them with the psychological and educational foundation necessary to ensure that their interactions with students are based not only on academic merit and grades, but also on an understanding of personality student. (ii) diagnose students with high and low academic achievement motivation. Based on this diagnosis, lecturers must be able to adjust their teaching methods and interactions with students.

Using Debriefing in Professional Development Courses.

Debriefing is a valuable tool to use when developing teamwork skills. The skill set can be either a specific outcome talent, such as a class on building teams, or a team skill set needed to successfully complete a team project. Professional development faculty can work to acquire and expand the skills described in this column. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(8):375-377.].

АНГЛІЙСЬКА МОВА В ПУБЛІЧНОМУ УПРАВЛІННІ: СВІТОВА ПРАКТИКА ТА КРОКИ ДО ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОЇ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ

The demand for English proficiency is increasing substantially all over the world as the language dominates every walk of life. It has remained one of the working languages of the EU and the Council of Europe, which gives it even greater significance. The purpose of the article is to analyze the experience of incorporating English into the sphere of public administration of foreign countries and review the initiatives directed to supporting the promotion of English as a communication tool of public officials. The article discusses the requirements for English proficiency in the countries’ civil service systems as well as the attempts made to improve English fluency of public officials. It has been discovered that when appointing civil servants, most national governments in Europe require proficiency only in the official (state or national) language, which reflects the EU language policy of multilingualism and multiculturalism. It is highlighted that Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia appear to be the only countries within the EU that oblige their civil servants at the official level to present a certificate or otherwise prove language fluency. The work in the EU bodies presupposes knowledge of one of the working languages of the EU. Asian countries (China, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc.) tend to set the knowledge of English for public officials as a prerequisite for appointment more often. Research has demonstrated that the Ukrainian government has made attempts to improve the level of the English language among civil servants since its European integration aspirations, by cooperating with national and international organizations, arranging workshops, professional development courses in English, providing opportunities for joining self-study courses and platforms. Nonetheless, more measures must be taken to motivate, stimulate and encourage the development of civil servants’ English skills.

Challenges and Opportunities of Using Lesson Study in English Language Teaching Among Ecuadorian EFL Teachers

This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing the lesson study model in English language teaching in four schools in Southern Ecuador for four months. Using an action research design through interviews, observations, and journals with a thematic analysis, the researchers were able to identify challenges of limited capacity of reflection and recognition of the activities that required improvement after English classes; limited capacity to provide truthful peer feedback; teachers’ incorrect notions about their performance in their classes; difficulties in following a collaborative lesson plan; and disconnection between class activities and the class content. The opportunities identified were teachers’ predisposition to collaborate; disposition to attend professional development courses; commitment to work extra hours in planning meetings; openness and desire to be observed in their classes; and willingness to share class materials and knowledge. The authors found a disconnect between teachers’ understanding of English language teaching and its proper application in class (from theory to practice). Also, rigid institutional teaching concepts, such as excessive institutional paperwork and activities not connected to developing students’ competencies, do not allow teaching innovations.

Unboxing the process of revision between two design-based hybrid learning interventions

The paper investigates the revision process of a Design-Based Research (DBR) project, in which a hybrid continuing professional development (CPD) course for educators from three higher education institutions is developed, tested and redesigned. The course runs over two cycles and is based on a key design principle, which aims at fostering inter-institutional collaboration among participants in relation to developing, testing and evaluating new learning designs in the participants’ respective teaching practices. On the basis of semi-structured interviews with the course participants, it is discussed which aspects of the course should be revised and which design strategy to apply during the revision process. Moreover, the implications for the following intervention are discussed and the redesigned course is presented. The empirical contribution of the paper lies in the detailed unboxing of the steps taken by the research and design team in the revision process between the two cycles of the course. As such, the paper exemplifies data-informed revision processes in which the key design principle of a course is maintained, but the adaptation of it is fundamentally revised though the strategy of branching out, i.e. central aspects of the design are revised to create a new solution.

An Exploration of Continuing Professional Development Courses for Oral Hygienists in the Western Cape

An Exploration of Continuing Professional Development Courses for Oral Hygienists in the Western Cape

A professional development course inviting changes in preservice mathematics teachers’ integration of technology into teaching: the lens of instrumental orchestration

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can provide rich learning opportunities in classroom teaching, which requires teachers’ effective instrumental orchestrations. However, there is a lack of research regarding the development of teachers’ instrumental orchestrations. In this study, we designed and implemented a professional development course, aiming to explore whether the course could change preservice mathematics teachers’ instrumental orchestrations. To this end, an analytical framework of instrumental orchestrations within a GeoGebra environment was established. Data were collected from Chinese preservice mathematics teachers, including the videotapes of their simulated lessons, GeoGebra files, written documents, self-reflections, online speaking, etc. In the results, three participants’ changes in instrumental orchestrations were presented as main cases. It was found that the three preservice mathematics teachers’ types of instrumental orchestrations did not change, but the frequencies of those increased significantly. The changes in didactical configurations were mainly reflected in the layout of GeoGebra, and the changes in exploitation modes were mainly manifested in the techniques teachers use and the management of mathematics tasks. In addition, it was revealed that theoretical support (instrumental approach), technical support (knowledge about using GeoGebra), and community support (“Same Content Different Designs” activity and communicating and discussing with others) were useful course elements inviting changes in instrumental orchestrations. In this regard, this study contributes to providing a promising professional development course that can be used in teacher training so as to improve teachers’ instrumental orchestrations.

Impact of Distance Professional Development Course on Early Childhood Teacher’s Knowledge, Skills, and Beliefs on Self-Regulation

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a distance professional development course, within the framework of the Preschool Situational Self-Regulation Program (PRSIST), on the knowledge, beliefs, and skills of early childhood education teachers about self-regulation skills. One of the qualitative methods, the case study, was preferred for the current study. The research was conducted with 5 early childhood education teachers, working in a city in middle Anatolia, Turkey. The teachers attended the synchronous distance professional development course 1 day a week for 5 weeks. The total duration of the five sessions was 120 minutes. Interview forms, reflective journals, and documents were used as data collection tools. As a result of the research, it was found that the course had positive impact on teachers' knowledge, skills, and beliefs about self-regulation skills.

Unveiling the underlying constructs of mobile assisted language learning technological pedagogical content knowledge (MALL TPACK): development and validation of a MALL TPACK scale for EFL teachers

ABSTRACT In the present study, a MALL TPACK questionnaire was developed and validated based on a TPACK framework. Data were collected from 414 EFL teachers. The development of the questionnaire involved a comprehensive review of existing literature, examination of existing questionnaires, and interviews with experts. This process resulted in an initial item pool of 50 questions. The questionnaire was subsequently administered to participants, and its construct validity and reliability were assessed employing various statistical methods. Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted with a subset of 200 participants, while Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed with the remaining 214 participants. Additionally, the Cronbach’s alpha method was employed to evaluate the reliability of the instrument. The results indicated that participants were able to identify four constructs from the original TPACK framework: Pedagogical, content, and pedagogical content knowledge, as well as TPACK. However, knowledge of technology was divided into two separate constructs: Knowing technology and using technology. As a result, a six-factor solution with 37 items was developed and confirmed as a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating MALL TPACK levels among Iranian EFL instructors. These findings have important implications for future research and in the design of teacher professional development courses in Iranian EFL contexts.

Research of Professional Preferences of Teachers in Kazakhstan: Analysis of Teaching Methods and Training Courses

The study aims to identify the professional preferences and needs of teachers in Kazakhstan in the areas of teaching methods and training courses. The survey involved 41,231 teachers from various regions of the country, providing representative data. The main objective of the research was to determine which professional development directions are most in demand among teachers and how these preferences vary by region, years of experience, and subjects taught. The research methods included quantitative analysis conducted through questionnaires. The analysis revealed that most teachers show interest in courses on teaching methodology for their specific subjects, as well as courses related to the use of interactive and innovative teaching methods, the integration of digital technologies, and the preparation of students for competitions. It was found that teachers' preferences vary depending on their experience: novice teachers are more interested in general professional development courses, whereas experienced teachers prefer specialized courses that enhance their professional skills. Based on the collected data, recommendations were formulated for the development of educational programs for teachers' professional development, emphasizing methodological training, modern educational technologies, and innovative teaching approaches. These findings can contribute to improving the quality of teaching and the overall effectiveness of the educational process in Kazakhstan.

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF STEM EDUCATION IN KAZAKHSTAN

The article discusses the importance of STEM education for workforce preparation in the context of Kazakhstan's economic development. The main issue addressed is the need to prove the integration of new technologies into educational programs, as this is crucial for preparing skilled specialists in a rapidly changing world. The aim of the study is to describe new methods of implementing STEM education and to identify successful practices. Research methods include analyzing current educational programs, studying examples of successful STEM methodology implementation, and conducting professional development courses for teachers. The article describes problem-based learning (PBL) methods that contribute to deeper student engagement and the development of critical thinking skills. The research results show that, despite significant progress in integrating STEM into educational programs and successful examples of applying innovative methods, challenges remain, such as unequal access to resources and a shortage of qualified specialists. However, successful initiatives, such as «STEM for All» programs, demonstrate a positive impact on the accessibility and quality of STEM education. The conclusions emphasize that for effective implementation of STEM education, it is necessary to focus on innovative teaching methods, address gender and socio-economic barriers, and adapt education to future technological trends. In this way, Kazakhstan can develop a STEM education system that prepares students for the demands of a rapidly changing world. The future of the country's economy depends on the ability to cultivate a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who will contribute to sustainable development and economic growth.

Knowledge and Practice of Diagnostic Reference Levels, Radiation Protection, and Safety among Dental Professionals and Dental Undergraduate Students in the United Arab Emirates: A Multicentric Study

Abstract Background: Dental radiographic examinations deliver low doses of radiation with low biological risks; however, low doses can lead to a cumulative risk. Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) indicate typical practice in a country or region. Surveys to establish DRLs can help acquire dose information, and less attention to DRLs can have consequences for the patient and dental workers. This study aims to determine the knowledge and practice of DRLs, radiation protection, and safety among dental professionals and dental undergraduate students in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed among dental students, general dental practitioners, dental faculty, and radiographers from dental universities in the United Arab Emirates. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of radiation safety of 221 participants. Results: Among the surveyed respondents, 58 (26.2%) had a good level of knowledge, 94 (42.50%) had an average level, and 69 (31.2%) had a poor level. 30.3% of the respondents were aware of the DRLs in dental radiography. Only 10 survivors were able to accurately mention the national DRL for intraoral adult radiography. The level of knowledge is significantly associated with age (P < 0.0001), year of experience (P < 0.0001), and professional development courses (P = 0.024). Almost half had an average level of practice, 30.8% a good level and 22.6% a low level. The level of practice is influenced by age (P = 0.001), qualification (P = 0.034), and experience (P = 0.022). Conclusions: Knowledge of DRLs, radiation protection, and safety is adequate among the sample surveyed. However, translation of this knowledge into practice is lacking, which warrants the need for further training and enhancement of dental health-care workers.

Blended Learning And Lab Reform: Self-Paced Sotl And Reflecting On Student Learning

As part of a large exercise physiology laboratory (lab) reform project, we used blended learning to support graduate teaching assistants and lab technicians in developing their pedagogical knowledge and create an entry point to reflective conversations about teaching and learning. Because self-paced asynchronous online modules can enable reflective and self-determined learning, this asynchronous professional development course is punctuated with reflective questions for the instructional team preparing to teach reformed exercise physiology labs. Asynchronous course content was shared via short videos, podcasts, and readings. We debriefed this self-paced, SoTL-informed course together, in-person. This social debriefing kicked off our weekly synchronous reflective conversations about teaching and learning in a community of practice. Developing a shared language for talking about teaching, enabling student learning, practicing effective teaching, and beginning to contemplate teaching philosophies were described by graduate teaching assistants as notable aspects of this blended learning journey. Lab technicians described discovering SoTL and discussing learning challenges as helpful to their teaching.