Continuous Professional Development Of Teachers Research Articles

Active strategies and pedagogical performance in teachers

The study's objective was to evaluate a plan of active strategies designed to improve the pedagogical performance of teachers, addressing the deficiencies identified to enhance the quality of education in the region. The hypotheses suggested that implementing active strategies significantly improves teacher performance, in agreement with constructivism and experiential learning theories. The methodology included normality tests and the Wilcoxon test to contrast the hypotheses. The results showed that the data did not follow a normal distribution, which supported the choice of active strategies. It was also observed that the plan significantly favored pedagogical performance and contributed to better academic practices. The positive impact of the plan in strengthening the teaching-learning process and the continuous professional development of teachers to increase their professional quality was highlighted in the paper.

The Impact of Open Educational Resources Based Professional Development on the Bhutanese Secondary Biology In-service and Pre-Service Teachers

This study examined the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) based professional development of secondary school biology teachers in Samtse Dzongkha in Bhutan. It highlights the importance of teaching and learning biology in secondary classrooms, emphasising its relevance to students' understanding of science, the environment, and their future academic and career choices. Recognising the challenges faced by teachers and students in biology education, STEM teacher educators from Samtse College of Education underwent professional development using OERs and online sessions facilitated by experts from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in India. These educators collaborated with peers from Tanzania, Nigeria, and TISS to develop six-week-long OERs on specific biology topics, which were then shared with selected in-service and pre-service biology teachers in Bhutan through Moodle platform. Additionally, an online Community of Practice (CoP) was established on Telegram to support the ongoing professional development. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilising pre and post-test scores, lesson plans, reflections, and interviews to assess the impact of the OERs on teachers. The CoP network was also analysed to understand communication patterns and knowledge sharing within the community. The results from pre-test and post-test assessments across these modules showcased marginal improvements in teachers' subject content knowledge. Detailed analysis of lesson plans and reflections revealed evolving proficiency in various pedagogical domains. Notably, many teachers sought technological integration, demonstrating an eagerness to utilize digital tools for enhancing student engagement. Despite these positive trends, a significant gap in high expertise levels among teachers was observed, particularly in the Genetics module. This hints at an underlying need for enriched professional development opportunities in specific content areas. Therefore, findings of this study concludes by recommending educational institutions to support continuous professional development for biology teachers through the integration of OERs, thereby improving the quality of biology education.

Teacher’s Boundary Crossing for Continuing Professional Development During the Covid-19 Through the Lens of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory: A Case Study of a Novice Chinese Language Teacher in a UK School

Teacher continuing professional development (CPD) is almost always on the top of educational agendas in any country of the world. While existing studies primarily emphasize effective CPD programmes, this qualitative research seeks to deepen our understanding by examining the nuanced interplay of teacher’s unique working contexts, historical backgrounds, and social influences within the CPD landscape. To investigate the strong shocks resulted from the special period of time – the Covid-19 pandemic – to teachers and the approaches to accommodate the issues on the basis of the workplace, this qualitative study adopts a longitudinal, single case design to examine a Chinese language teacher’s boundary crossing in CPD during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Data was collected over a period of seven months, from the beginning of January 2023, the time of the COVID-19 pandemic to the end of July 2023, students returning to school. Guided by boundary crossing and Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) theoretical frameworks, this study suggests that the teacher employed a variety of CPD tools which supplemented and interconnected for different CPD objectives. CHAT conceptualize the complexity and the dynamic nature of CPD and contextulize the trajectory of boundary crossing. By employing a nuanced and comprehensive approach, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on teacher CPD, recognizing the complexities of teacher CPD and the intricate interplay of contextual factors that shape teachers’ professional development trajectories.

Exploring the Impact of Lesson Study as a Collaborative Teaching Strategy in Higher Education

Lesson study is a class-based & collaborative continuous teacher professional development strategy to optimize student learning services. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of lesson study on improving the quality of learning in higher education. This research is a mix method research, which was conducted for one semester. Learning is carried out in a hybrid way in the odd semester of the 2021/2022 academic year in six plant physiology classes using Problem-based Learning (PBL). The research subjects consisted of biology education students and undergraduate biology students at the Universitas Negeri Malang. The research instruments include chapter design, lesson design, lesson plans, lesson study observation sheets, essay tests on cognitive learning outcomes. Lesson study is carried out in three stages, namely plan, do, and see. The results showed that the learning designed and implemented with lesson study showed an improvement in each meeting. Improvements in learning can occur because educators and observers reflect on learning activities.

«БІЛІКТІЛІКТІ АРТТЫРУ» ПАРАДИГМАСЫНАН «ПЕДАГОГТІҢ ҮЗДІКСІЗ КӘСІБИ ДАМУЫ» ПАРАДИГМАСЫНА ӨТУ ШАРТТАРЫ, МЕХАНИЗМДЕРІ

In this article, the scientifically based situation, mechanism and resource transition from the para-digm of professional development to the paradigm of continuous professional development of the teach-er. The most important condition for ensuring the quality of education in the conditions of updating the content of education at all levels of the educational system of Kazakhstan is the constant professional development of the teacher. In this regard, in this article, the state of passing PUKP is considered as an actual problem at the present time. The purpose of the study is to scientifically substantiate the condi-tions, mechanisms and resources of the transition from the paradigm of “advanced training” to the para-digm of “continuous professional development of a teacher.” Research methods: content analysis, com-parative analysis, theoretical analysis. Result of the study: based on conceptual approaches, an analytical report was compiled on the scientific substantiation of the reasons for the transition from the paradigm of “advanced training” to the paradigm of “continuous professional development of teachers”; from a comparative point of view, the international and Kazakhstani experience of introducing the paradigm of “professional development” into the paradigm of “continuous professional development of a teacher” and “continuous professional development of a teacher” has been studied. Scope of application: second-ary education system; professional pedagogical education, postgraduate pedagogical education, addi-tional professional pedagogical education; system of professional development of teaching staff.

Unveiling the Secrets of Teaching Mathematics to Students with Special Needs: Challenges, Strategies, and Educator Insights

This study explores innovative strategies for teaching mathematics to students with special needs, focusing on the significant challenges educators face. Utilizing a qualitative research design through a case study method, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with five experienced mathematics teachers in the Davao region, Philippines. Key challenges identified include inadequate training, poor communication with parents, difficulties in teaching basic mathematical concepts, short retention spans, and a lack of educational resources. These challenges highlight the need for specialized training and continuous professional development for teachers. The study identifies effective strategies to address these challenges, such as differentiated instruction, collaboration with co-educators, parent-teacher engagement, peer tutoring, and the integration of manipulatives and ICT in teaching. These approaches are shown to improve mathematical learning and cognitive engagement for students with special needs. The research emphasizes the importance of a supportive learning environment and the necessity for teachers to stay updated with the latest instructional methods and resources. The findings advocate for comprehensive support systems in inclusive education, aiming to enhance mathematical achievement and overall educational outcomes for students with special needs.

Організаційно-педагогічні умови підготовки майбутніх викладачів права до роботи в умовах змішаного навчання

The modern development of the educational process, marked by the rapid integration of innovative technologies and blended learning forms, presents an essential challenge to the higher legal education system: the preparation of future teachers capable of working effectively in a blended learning environment. Blended learning, combining the advantages of traditional classroom teaching with the possibilities of distance education, becomes crucial for adapting the educational process to the individual characteristics and needs of students, meeting the modern requirements for flexibility and accessibility of learning. This article conducts a thorough analysis of the key organizational and pedagogical conditions necessary for the successful implementation of blended learning in legal education, emphasizing the importance of integrating the latest educational technologies and methodologies. Significant attention is paid to the need to transform the role of the teacher, which requires a shift from the traditional model of knowledge delivery to active mentorship, management of educational activities, and organization of interactive, individualized learning. The aspects of technological support, development of professional competencies of teachers, individualization of the learning process, and the involvement of external experts to expand and deepen the educational content are discussed as crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of the educational process. The authors propose a comprehensively justified approach to implementing blended learning, considering the challenges and specifics of legal education, aiming to prepare a new generation of legal specialists capable of adapting and acting effectively in a complex and changing legal environment. The conclusions underline the critical importance of comprehensively considering the requirements of the modern educational environment, providing technological support, continuous professional development of teachers, and involving students in active participation in the learning process. These measures collectively contribute to the successful implementation of blended learning and the readiness of graduates for highly effective work in the contemporary legal environment, ensuring the quality and relevance of legal education at a new stage of its development.

INNOVATING ENGLISH WRITING SKILL TEACHING METHODS AT TUYEN QUANG SCHOOL FOR EXCELLENCE

The development of effective English writing skills is a crucial component of language education, playing a significant role in students' academic success and future career opportunities. At Tuyen Quang School for Excellence, the current methods of teaching writing have encountered various challenges, including limited student engagement, lack of creativity, and insufficient practical application. This study aims to address these issues by exploring and implementing innovative teaching methods to enhance the English writing skills of students. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and an empirical investigation involving both qualitative and quantitative data, this research identifies the most effective strategies for fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. The study begins by reviewing traditional and modern approaches to teaching writing, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. It then introduces innovative methods, such as project-based learning, collaborative writing, and the integration of technology, to create a more engaging and effective curriculum. By implementing these methods in a controlled classroom setting, the research evaluates their impact on students' writing performance, creativity, and overall motivation. The findings reveal that innovative teaching methods significantly improve students' writing skills, particularly in terms of creativity, coherence, and critical thinking. Students exposed to these methods demonstrate a higher level of engagement and enthusiasm towards writing tasks, resulting in better academic performance and increased confidence in their writing abilities. The study also discusses the practical implications of these findings for teachers, suggesting ways to incorporate these methods into their daily teaching practices to achieve optimal results. Moreover, this research underscores the importance of continuous professional development for teachers, encouraging them to stay updated with the latest educational technologies and pedagogical strategies. By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity within the classroom, educators can better support their students in developing essential writing skills that are vital for their academic and professional success. The study provides compelling evidence that innovative teaching methods are highly effective in enhancing English writing skills at Tuyen Quang School for Excellence. The recommendations presented in this research can serve as a valuable resource for educators seeking to improve their teaching practices and contribute to the overall advancement of language education. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to further validate these findings and explore additional innovative strategies to continually evolve the teaching of English writing skills.

Development of Critical Thinking Skills: An Analysis of English Curriculum Grades I-XII (2019)

Introduction: This quantitative study analysed the English Language Curriculum for Grades I-XII (2019) to assess how well it promotes critical thinking among secondary school students. The study aimed to determine the extent to which the curriculum facilitates the development of critical thinking skills. Methodology: The curriculum document was selected through purposeful sampling and analyzed using qualitative content analysis with NVivo 12 software. This method enabled a detailed examination of the curriculum content to identify elements related to critical thinking. Results/Findings: The analysis confirmed that critical thinking is deeply embedded in the curriculum through the integration of critical thinking skills with language skills, particularly reading and writing. Using Bloom's Taxonomy, the curriculum emphasizes activities designed to develop higher-level thinking skills. Additionally, well-structured assessments require students to answer analytical and evaluative questions, aligning with the objectives of fostering critical thinking. Future Direction: For the curriculum's potential to be fully realized, teachers must thoroughly understand its objectives and effectively implement the prescribed strategies. Continuous professional development and support for teachers are crucial to ensure the successful integration of critical thinking skills in teaching practices.

Measuring the Impact of Capacity Building Workshops for Ensuring Inclusive Education Practices Using Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Model in Sindh, Pakistan

The study examines the failure of implementing inclusive education programs in Sindh province schools. It developed a unique training scheme for special and general education teachers, incorporating learning modules, instructional resources, and a virtual platform. The project was initiated in 2022, and 423 participants were trained in inclusive education practices. The study found that competency-based inclusive education workshops significantly boost teachers' positive attitudes towards inclusive education, confirming previous findings on integrating students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development for teachers in the face of rapid technological advancements.

Challenges Impeding the Implementation of Effective Continuous Teacher Professional Development Programs in Eastern Cape Department of Education

Training opportunities are essential for introducing teachers to effective instructional strategies and pedagogical approaches. Teachers need access to professional development programs that promote knowledge and skills acquisition to improve learner performance. Due to a lack of training, school administrators frequently misinterpreted key elements of the teaching and learning process and failed to understand the objectives and requirements of the new curriculum. To increase the ability and competency of educators in the province, it is the goal of this article to identify obstacles preventing the Eastern Cape Department of Education from implementing training programs effectively. This study utilises a descriptive and explanatory qualitative case study. Data was collected using interviews with five (5) (n-5) key informant participants. The findings indicate that Human Resource Development lacked competitive and practical skills development programs, resources (finance), capacity, low participation from educators, effective human resource strategy and training opportunities for educators, leading to poor learner results throughout the province. ECDoE is recommended to implement well-designed professional development programs which align with the curriculum and educational objectives of the National Department of Basic Education. By focusing on specific areas of need, such as literacy, numeracy, or inclusive education, these programs can address critical challenges faced by teachers and students in the province. The study suggests that ECDoE can implement competitive training programs, develop a comprehensive human resource development strategy, hires well-skilled trainees and training opportunities should be given to all educators in the province.

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AS A PERSPECTIVE TREND IN THE ACTIVITY OF SPORT PROFILE UNIVERSITIES

Purpose. The article is devoted to the topic of the influence of international trends on the continuous professional development of higher education teachers, including sports universities, which is significant in modern geopolitical conditions. The subject of analysis is the process of continuous professional development of teachers. The author aims to determine and justify models of professional development, which are designed to ensure greater individualization of the process of professional growth of teachers. This goal required the solution of the following task: to identify and present some international trends that very visibly affect the professional development of teachers, including in sports universities.
 Method or methodology of the work. The study is based on methods such as analysis, synthesis, grouping, comparative analysis using elements of benchmarking technology, which allows identifying the best practices in this area. The author analyzed open data posted on the websites of sports universities and educational portals. The priority research method is a comparative analysis of teachers’ professional development in modern universities.
 The results of the work consist in the fact that the article updates the importance of discussions in the Russian pedagogical community about the prospects for modernizing the domestic system of higher education, including the system of professional development of teachers, after Russia’ exit from the unified educational area of Europe and the emergence of new opportunities for the development in the context of global challenges. The author proposed three models of teachers’ professional development (professional- pedagogical model, socio-pedagogical model, and personal-oriented model), which could serve as a guide for designing their own models for improving the professional skills of teachers in a particular university. The author assumes that the international trends, outlined in the article (internationalization, people’s diplomacy, digitalization, academic mobility), constructively affect the content of advanced training programs, as well as the choice of priority areas for the professional development of higher education teachers.
 Practical implementations. The results of the study can be applied in the field of higher education, as well as in the system of teachers’ advanced training in sport profile universities.

“I Mainly Rely on the Textbook:” A Call for Teacher Enhancement in Agricultural Sciences

Universities play a crucial role in teachers' professional development. This study aims to examine the following research question: How can universities enhance the teaching of agricultural sciences in schools? Previous research has focused on the university’s collaboration with stakeholders, such as parents, to enhance teaching, but without a specific focus on the teaching of agricultural sciences. In response to this question, a transformative theoretical framework anchors this study. This study employed a participatory action research design involving focus group discussions to determine the need for improving the teaching of agricultural sciences. Eleven participants were involved in this research, and pseudonyms were used to ensure privacy and protect their identities. The study findings from the three schools in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District of the Free State Province, included in the study, revealed that there is an inability to meet curriculum requirements, accompanied by a reluctance to implement continuous professional teacher development. The findings emphasize the need for extended university involvement in the implementation of teacher development policies to address the teachers’ needs.

Professional Development of Teaching Staff in the Issues of Education and Socialization of Students Using the Resources of the Urban Environment

The article presents the results of a study of the practice of professional development of the director's advisers on education and interaction with children's public associations, an analysis of foreign and domestic approaches, models, practices and programs of professional development of pedagogical and managerial personnel in the issues of education and socialization of students, including using the resources of the urban environment. In the course of the study, various groups of methods were used, including the method of comparative analysis of normative, legal documents; analysis, systematization and generalization of the data obtained; complex analysis, classification and structuring of information and statistical data; modeling method; generalization of research results. As a result, model solutions have been developed and theoretically substantiated for the professional development of pedagogical and managerial personnel, including advisers to the director for education and interaction with children's public associations, in matters of education and socialization of students. It should be noted that one of the conceptual ideas that is reflected in almost all countries is the idea of continuity and individualization of professional development of teachers in the field of education and socialization of students. It should be noted that one of the conceptual ideas that is reflected in almost all countries is the idea of continuity and individualization of professional development of teachers in the field of education and socialization of students. Continuous professional development of teachers, including advisers to the Director of education and interaction with children's public associations, is carried out through the integration of formal and non-formal education, as well as through self-education and self-development. Teachers, advisers to the director of education should be able to design a socio-cultural educational environment for the upbringing and positive socialization of students, while including socio-cultural objects and resources in educational practice.

STRATEGY OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION QUALITY MANAGEMENT THROUGH HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The article substantiates the importance of quality professional education for modern youth and the country as a whole. It is noted that one of the ways to get a high-quality, affordable and suitable education for their interests and needs is professional (professional) education, which involves students choosing a certain direction or specialization in high school. Professional education allows you to deepen your knowledge of subjects that are interesting and important for the future profession in order to continue studying at a higher level. An analysis of the problems of vocational education that affect its quality is carried out, in particular, the problems of the quality of vocational education at the level of personnel management are highlighted. A systematized sequence of steps in the formation of a personnel development strategy to improve the quality of education, taking into account the characteristics of the educational institution: involvement of interested parties; analysis of needs and problems to determine key directions for improving the quality of professional education; development of an action plan with the establishment of specific goals, deadlines and responsible persons; regular monitoring and performance evaluation; cooperation with other educational institutions, scientific institutions and organizations to exchange experience and gain new knowledge; constant improvement and search for ways to improve the quality of professional education. The methods and tools of human resources management are proposed to improve labor productivity, retain and develop personnel, create a favorable working environment, and achieve the organization's goals. The use of tools to encourage staff to experiment and use innovative teaching methods in the personnel strategy, which will contribute to improving the quality of education and student satisfaction, is substantiated; an example of successful application of personnel management methods is given. It was concluded that ensuring the country's competitiveness on the international market requires high-quality professional education. In order to solve the problem of low quality of professional education at the level of personnel management, the head of an educational institution must be able to develop and implement a personnel development strategy, taking into account the characteristics of a specific educational institution, aimed at improving the quality of education. In the personnel strategy of the educational institution, it is necessary to emphasize the encouragement of personnel to innovate and experiment with new teaching methods, to focus on the development and use of employees' competencies, and to ensure the process of continuous professional development of teachers.

Investigation of the challenges in online formative assessment faced by Grade 10 Physical Sciences teachers in South African schools

Formative assessment is crucial for teachers to gauge students’ understanding of subject content, and applying formative assessment in an online context is more challenging than in a traditional Physical Sciences classroom. This study examines challenges experienced by Grade 10 Physical Sciences teachers when enacting online formative assessment as per the research question. The empirical investigation adopted a generic qualitative design in which three purposively selected Grade 10 Physical Sciences teachers from three different schools and quintiles within the Tshwane North District in South Africa. Data were collected through individual and focus group interviews. Interviews were video recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using grounded theory to construct a thematic framework for supporting the study. Technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) was utilised as a theoretical framework underpinning the study to identify challenges experienced by Grade 10 Physical Sciences teachers when enacting online formative assessment. Challenges identified in this study include the enforced utilisation of Annual Teaching Plans, lack of technological knowledge, lack of internet connectivity, and poor digital infrastructure at schools, and in towns and cities in South Africa. The study aims to show that the Department of Basic Education faces the key imperative to provide continuous teacher professional development and concomitant online learning materials that can facilitate meaningful enactment of online formative assessment in various educational settings while policy is needed to ensure that every student has access to data and internet resources.

The Role of Scientific and Methodological Support for the Professional Development of Teachers in the Context of Reforming Basic Secondary Education

This article discusses the state of scientific and methodological support of teachers, which is aimed at implementing the tasks of reforming basic secondary education on the basis of the Concept of «New Ukrainian School».
 The presented material is based on the results of the analysis of scientific, methodological and innovative activities of institutions of postgraduate pedagogical education, aimed at improving the system of quality assurance of education and professional growth of the teacher.
 Taking into account the changes in the content of education, the practical implementation of student-centered learning, the introduction of innovative pedagogical technologies into the educational process, it is indicated how the professional formation of a teacher in the system of postgraduate education is practically ensured. On the basis of the study, the authors determine the organizational and pedagogical conditions for improving the process of professional growth of teachers in the system of postgraduate pedagogical education, as a factor in increasing their competitiveness.
 The role of the system of postgraduate pedagogical education, as a system of adult education, in improving the process of professional growth of a teacher is disclosed. It is noted that the system of postgraduate pedagogical education, under the influence of socio-economic changes that take place in society, ensures the continuous professional development of teachers and their mastery of competencies that are closely related to the implementation of their professional pedagogical activities and the transition to a new quality of education.

Factors Affecting the Teaching of English Syllables and Stress

The teaching and learning of English syllables and stress are intricate processes influenced by a myriad of factors. This discussion explores significant determinants including linguistic background of learners, teacher competency and training, availability and quality of instructional materials, and learner motivation and attitude towards English pronunciation. The interference from mother tongue and familiarity with phonetic symbols play pivotal roles in how learners grasp phonological aspects of English. Similarly, teacher competency in phonology and pronunciation pedagogy, alongside the ability to model correct pronunciation, significantly impacts the effectiveness of instruction. The quality and cultural relevance of instructional materials, coupled with the integration of modern educational technology, enhance the teaching and learning experience. Moreover, learners' motivation and attitude towards English pronunciation are intertwined with their learning outcomes, underscoring the importance of fostering positive attitudes and high motivation. An integrated approach considering all these factors, supported by continuous professional development for teachers and a well-designed curriculum, is recommended to address the challenges associated with teaching and learning English syllables and stress. Through this holistic approach, a conducive learning environment promoting better understanding and mastery of English pronunciation can be established, ultimately improving the overall language proficiency of learners.

Neuromyths: Misconceptions about neurodevelopment by Italian teachers.

Background: Neuromyths are commonly held misconceptions about the brain, often generated by a misunderstanding of scientifically established facts. To date, limited research has explored the pervalence of neuromyths about neurodevelopmental disorders in the teacher population. Method: The current study investigated the prevalence of teachers’ general and neurodevelopmental neuromyths among 820 Italian teachers. Results: Italian teachers correctly identified 73% of general neuromyths and 70% of neurodevelopmental neuromyths. The difference between general and neurodevelopmental neuromyths endorsement was significant. Frequency of accessing relevant information emerged as a protective factor. A mediation analysis showed that higher need for cognition was significantly associated with a higher frequency of accessing relevant information about the brain, which in turn led to lower endorsement of neuromyths. Conclusion: In line with our findings, we suggest that teachers can benefit from neuroeducation initiatives aimed to enhance neuroscience literacy in both the initial education and continuous professional development of teachers.

The New Curriculum Implementation in Indonesia: A Study in Two Primary Schools

The new 2013 curriculum has just been implemented recently in Indonesia from primary to secondary school levels. There are a lot of criticisms towards the implementation, especially in the schools’ readiness to apply the new curriculum in the real classroom. This study aims to investigate the role of school leaders in the new curriculum implementation. Several aspects were also examined: teacher professional development with regards to the curriculum implementation, how schools involve parents prior and during the curriculum implementation, supporting factors for the implementation and factors that hinder the success of the new curriculum implementation. Data were gathered from school leaders, teachers, and parents. The findings show that school leaders in these schools play an important role by exercising transformational leadership and shared instructional leadership. Continuous teacher professional development and professional learning community are other important factors for the success of the new curriculum implementation. Time constraints and limited resources are reported to be the hindering factors. The findings show that albeit schools acknowledge the importance of parental involvement in students’ learning, schools have not given adequate support that parents need in order to be fully involved in their children’s learning.