AN OVERVIEW OF THE RECENT VIEWS AND PRACTICES IN TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT


Canaran Ö., Mirici I. H.

Eğitimde Kuram ve Uygulama, vol.15, pp.350-362, 2019 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Journal Name: Eğitimde Kuram ve Uygulama
  • Page Numbers: pp.350-362
  • TED University Affiliated: No

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the current trends and practices in teacher professional development (PD). The paper is intended to provide teachers, teacher educators, and trainers with the theories and practices discussed in the literature over the last 25 years. The data were selected from resources by entering relevant search phrases in journal databases, library catalogs, and websites on teacher PD. The paper primarily addresses the principles of effective PD and the models of PD. Next, different kinds of PD, including the practices that can enable teachers to improve their knowledge and skills as well as impacting student learning, are analyzed to determine the common denominators of those kinds that are considered effective in the literature. The paper also provides some implications that will be of value to researchers, teachers, and teacher trainers. The overview reveals that effective PD must involve teachers in decision-making as well as encourage reflection, classroom research, and collaboration. The paper further mentions that effective PD programs should include students and their perceptions in addition to evaluation and follow-up support in order to achieve the desired outcomes.