Professional Development: A Tool for Improving Teaching and Learning

1996 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-293
Author(s):  
Mary Jean Le Tendre
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Improving Teaching And Learning

Multi-Faceted Professional Development Models Designed to Enhance Teaching and Learning within Universities

2011 ◽  
pp. 412-435
Author(s):  
Donald E Scott ◽  
Shelleyann Scott
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
University Leadership ◽  
Development Models ◽  
Educational Stakeholders ◽  
Professional Networking ◽  
Integration Of Technology ◽  
Institutional Reputation ◽  
Improving Teaching And Learning

In this chapter we advocate the reconceptualisation of pedagogical focused professional development to a more flexible and systematic approach and present two technology-oriented models. This chapter is of interest to a range of educational stakeholders including university professional developers, academics, leaders, students, and support staff. Two mixed method case studies of students’ and academics’ experiences of online and blended teaching and learning informed the design of the models. These multi-faceted models are designed to promote effective pedagogically-focused professional development, the scholarship of teaching and learning, social and professional networking, and supportive university leadership all aimed at improving teaching and learning. We articulate how the integration of technology can facilitate all of these important activities. It is anticipated that, if implemented, these models will result in a more pedagogically- and techno- efficacious academy; more satisfied and successful graduates; more informed, involved, and trusted leaders; greater sustainability for programmes; and the enhancement of institutional reputation.

scholarly journals SoTL in the Margins: Teaching-Focused Role Case Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-78
Author(s):  
Nicola Simmons ◽  
Lauren Scharff ◽  
Michelle Eady ◽  
Diana Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
International Society ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Tenure Track ◽  
Scholarship Of Teaching ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Improving Teaching And Learning ◽  
Excellence In Teaching

The number of teaching-focused faculty (TFF) continues to increase, raising concerns about opportunities to engage in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) for academics who are hired to focus on teaching rather than research. Various names for these teaching-focused positions include, but are not limited to: instructional, limited-term faculty; permanent, but not eligible for tenure; equivalent to tenure-track (eligible for tenure); and casual teaching-focused. Regardless of title, TFF face a unique challenge: hired for excellence in teaching and committed to improving teaching and learning, they are often not granted support to engage in professional development or research related to teaching and learning. These and other challenges are associated with their academically marginalized positions. The authors are members of the Advocacy Committee of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL). This paper builds on a session we offered at the ISSOTL conference in Calgary in 2017 where we invited TFF to contribute narrative examples of institutional SoTL challenges and their strategies for overcoming them. We describe potential solutions to creating institutional cultures that are supportive of TFF engaging in SoTL. We finish by offering recommendations for creating a SoTL teaching-focused community within ISSOTL to provide social and professional support.

scholarly journals Beyond Computers In The Classroom: Factors Related To Technology Adoption To Enhance Teaching And Learning

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet A. Buckenmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Suburban School District ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Teaching And Learning Research ◽  
Development Data ◽  
Teachers Attitudes ◽  
Improving Teaching And Learning ◽  
Available Resources

How is technology being integrated to the extent possible toward the goals of improving teaching and learning? Research suggests that teachers will be more likely to try new methods of teaching if certain conditions exist. It is not known which conditions are more likely to influence a teacher’s decision to integrate technology into the curriculum. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between technology adoption and conditions such as available resources to support the use of technology, teachers’ attitudes toward technology, and adequacy of professional development. Data to address the specific research questions were obtained from secondary-level teachers (n = 144) from a suburban school district who participated in professional development and responded to a survey designed for this study. Among other findings, analyses revealed that professional development and available resources were significantly related to technology adoption. Recommendations based on the findings, including implications for professional development, are discussed.

scholarly journals SoTL in the Margins: Teaching-Focused Role Case Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-78
Author(s):  
Nicola Simmons ◽  
Lauren Scharff ◽  
Michelle Eady ◽  
Diana Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
International Society ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Tenure Track ◽  
Scholarship Of Teaching ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Improving Teaching And Learning ◽  
Excellence In Teaching

The number of teaching-focused faculty (TFF) continues to increase, raising concerns about opportunities to engage in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) for academics who are hired to focus on teaching rather than research. Various names for these teaching-focused positions include, but are not limited to: instructional, limited-term faculty; permanent, but not eligible for tenure; equivalent to tenure-track (eligible for tenure); and casual teaching-focused. Regardless of title, TFF face a unique challenge: hired for excellence in teaching and committed to improving teaching and learning, they are often not granted support to engage in professional development or research related to teaching and learning. These and other challenges are associated with their academically marginalized positions. The authors are members of the Advocacy Committee of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL). This paper builds on a session we offered at the ISSOTL conference in Calgary in 2017 where we invited TFF to contribute narrative examples of institutional SoTL challenges and their strategies for overcoming them. We describe potential solutions to creating institutional cultures that are supportive of TFF engaging in SoTL. We finish by offering recommendations for creating a SoTL teaching-focused community within ISSOTL to provide social and professional support.

Multi-Faceted Professional Development Models Designed to Enhance Teaching and Learning within Universities

2014 ◽  
pp. 695-718
Author(s):  
Donald E. Scott ◽  
Shelleyann Scott
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
University Leadership ◽  
Development Models ◽  
Educational Stakeholders ◽  
Professional Networking ◽  
Integration Of Technology ◽  
Institutional Reputation ◽  
Improving Teaching And Learning

In this chapter we advocate the reconceptualisation of pedagogical focused professional development to a more flexible and systematic approach and present two technology-oriented models. This chapter is of interest to a range of educational stakeholders including university professional developers, academics, leaders, students, and support staff. Two mixed method case studies of students' and academics' experiences of online and blended teaching and learning informed the design of the models. These multi-faceted models are designed to promote effective pedagogically-focused professional development, the scholarship of teaching and learning, social and professional networking, and supportive university leadership all aimed at improving teaching and learning. We articulate how the integration of technology can facilitate all of these important activities. It is anticipated that, if implemented, these models will result in a more pedagogically- and techno- efficacious academy; more satisfied and successful graduates; more informed, involved, and trusted leaders; greater sustainability for programmes; and the enhancement of institutional reputation.

scholarly journals Secondary School Teachers’ Professional Development in Australia and Shanghai: Needs, Support, and Barriers

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824402110269
Author(s):  
Guangbao Fang ◽  
Philip Wing Keung Chan ◽  
Penelope Kalogeropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Secondary School Teachers ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Teachers Professional Development ◽  
Scheduled Time

Using data from the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS; 2013), this article explores teachers’ needs, support, and barriers in their professional development. The research finds that Australian teachers expressed greater needs in information and communication technology (ICT) use and new technology training for teaching, while Shanghai teachers required more assistance to satisfy students’ individual learning and pedagogical competencies. More than 80% of Australian and Shanghai teachers received scheduled time to support their participation in professional development, whereas less than 20% of Australian and Shanghai teachers received monetary or nonmonetary support. In terms of barriers, Australian and Shanghai teachers reported two significant barriers that conflicted with their participation in professional development: “working schedule” and “a lack of incentives to take part.” This article reveals implications of the study in the design of an effective professional development program for Australian and Shanghai teachers and ends with discussing the limitations of the research and future research directions.

scholarly journals Librarians participation in professional development workshops using Zoom in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 026666692110267
Author(s):  
Ifeanyi Adindu Anene ◽  
Victor Okeoghene Idiedo
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Power Outage ◽  
Network Failures ◽  
Zoom In

The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which librarians in Nigeria engaged in professional development workshops during the COVID-19 era. The study adopted a survey method using an online questionnaire. Factors such as saving money, the free nature of workshops, eliminating travel risk, in the comfort of the home, and providing an opportunity for all were mentioned as the benefits of participating in online workshops using Zoom. Buying data bundle, lack of computer/Android phone/smartphone, ignorance or lack of awareness of up-coming workshops, lack of time, power outage, nonchalant attitude towards technology, and network failures were identified as challenges of participation. The Zoom platform can be adopted for organizing workshops and meetings, and for teaching and learning in the post COVID-19 era.

Inquiry-Oriented Instruction in Science: Who Teaches That Way?

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Smith ◽  
Laura M. Desimone ◽  
Timothy L. Zeidner ◽  
Alfred C. Dunn ◽  
Monica Bhatt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
No Child Left Behind ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Formal Schooling ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Science Standards ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Key Policy ◽  
Improving Instruction ◽  
Nationally Representative

The expansion of the No Child Left Behind Act to include science standards and assessments is likely to refocus states’ attention on science teaching and learning. Requiring teachers to have subject majors and greater funding of professional development are two key policy levers for improving instruction in science. There has been relatively little work examining the characteristics of teachers who are most likely to initiate inquiry-oriented instruction in science classrooms. Using a nationally representative sample of the teachers of eighth grade science students, the authors found relatively strong associations between reform-oriented practice and the majors and degrees that teachers earned as part of their formal schooling, as well as their current levels of participation in content-oriented professional development activities.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document