Showing papers on "Faculty development published in 2024"
TL;DR: This study examines the relationship between digital professional development, professional learning communities, and digital instructional integration among 16,072 STEM teachers, finding that professional learning communities mediate the positive link between digital professional development and instructional integration.
Abstract: Abstract Background Integration of digital tools and resources in STEM instruction has garnered significant attention due to its high potential. Digital professional development is identified as a pivotal factor for equipping teachers with necessary digital skills to effectively orchestrate digital resources. Notably, the role of professional learning communities is considered critical. However, the intricate relationships among digital professional development, professional learning communities, and digital instructional integration among STEM teachers remain underexplored. Utilizing partial least-squares–structural equation models (PLS–SEM), the present study examined links in digital professional development, professional learning communities, and digital instructional integration among STEM teachers ( N = 16,072) who participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022. Results Findings from the PLS–SEM analysis indicate that digital professional development exhibits a direct positive relationship with professional learning communities and digital instructional integration. Relatedly, professional learning communities is positively correlated with digital instructional integration. In terms of indirect effect, findings show that professional learning communities play a significant positive mediating role in linking digital professional development and digital instructional integration. Conclusions This study reports new evidence on the influence of digital professional development on digital instructional integration through professional learning communities among 16,072 STEM teachers and concludes that, when STEM teachers regularly immerse themselves in professional learning communities, they are more likely to benefit from their digital professional development by integrating digital technologies in classroom instruction. Policymakers and educational leaders should consider promoting digital professional development and professional learning communities among STEM teachers, along with efforts to encourage digital instructional integration.
8 citations
7 citations
TL;DR: This study explores the implementation of cross-functional professional learning communities (PLCs) to support institutional culture change in higher education, finding that PLCs can facilitate culture change by adopting four organizational strategies and transitioning to coordinating groups.
Abstract: Abstract This article explores the implementation of cross-functional professional learning communities (PLCs) involving faculty, staff and administrators at three different institutional types – research, urban regional, and rural regional universities – with the goal of learning about and then implementing a culture change approach to support academic and psychosocial success for historically marginalized student groups. The action research-based study explores the research question: Do cross-functional PLCs help support institution-wide culture change? And if so, how? Our findings identified that PLCs can act as a vehicle for the beginning steps of institutional culture change if they adopt four organizational strategies for spreading learning. Given the complexity and size of campuses, PLCs can act as a strategizing team for developing a broader culture change approach that ultimately impacts the overall institution. Armed with the skillsets related to culture change that they learn in the PLC, they can become change agents that plan and spread culture change. They do this by moving from a PLC that learned together for a year to a coordinating group that utilizes their newly gained skills to execute and create a set of culture change strategies. The PLCs make the transition to a coordinating group by expanding and adding new members and/or connecting to units throughout campus, creating an extended network. They also implement four key strategies – data/assessment, communications, professional learning and auditing/mapping.
3 citations
TL;DR: Uncovering the role of principals in enhancing teacher professional learning in a centralized education system. This study explores the relationship between leadership and teacher learning in a centralized education system. Findings suggest that effective principals cultivate a culture that champions personal growth, nurtures a collaborative learning community, and provides essential resources and support.
Abstract: Purpose Current school leadership research has primarily utilized quantitative methods to explore the relationship between leadership and teacher learning. However, there is a notable gap in understanding how principals facilitate professional learning, especially in centralized educational settings. This study aims to address this gap by examining the role of school leadership in enhancing teacher professional learning within a highly centralized education system. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative case study delves into the lived experiences of 15 teachers and eight school leaders in eight primary schools in Mashhad, Iran. Through semistructured interviews, researchers employed open and axial coding to systematically explore and categorize qualitative data. The study focuses on understanding the role of principal leadership in facilitating teacher professional learning by connecting themes and sub-themes across transcripts. Findings Effective principals worked on the cultivation of a culture that champions perpetual personal growth and development, the nurturing of a collaborative learning community, and the provision of essential resources and support. Findings showed the pivotal role of principals in promoting teachers' self-development, facilitating idea exchange and acknowledging their efforts. Principals appeared as key to encouraging information sharing, fostering collective learning, promoting professional development, overseeing teaching practices and ensuring the availability of resources to cultivate a supportive climate in a centralized education context. Originality/value We concluded that in centralized education, leadership practices for promoting teacher learning share similarities and differences with decentralized settings. The findings offer guidance for principals in centralized systems, supporting them in facilitating teacher professional learning in their schools.
3 citations
3 citations
TL;DR: This study examines the impact of AI-powered educational applications on 320 Chinese high school teachers' autonomy, professional development, and digital burnout, finding positive effects on professional growth, autonomous behaviors, and reduced digital burnout.
Abstract: The transformative impact of advancements in educational technology, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence (AI), on the landscape of education and the teaching profession has been substantial. This study explores the repercussions of AI-powered technologies on teachers’ autonomous behavior, digital burnout, and professional development. The study involved a cohort of 320 high school teachers in China segregated into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received instructions on AI-integrated applications and how they might be used in education. However, the teachers assigned to the control group did not receive information on the use of AI educational applications. Three distinct questionnaires probing autonomous behaviors, digital burnout, and online professional development were administered, and the ensuing data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests. The findings elucidate a discernible positive impact of AI-integrated technology intervention on teachers’ professional development and autonomous behaviors. The incorporation of AI-enhanced tools facilitated an augmentation in teachers’ professional growth and bolstered their independent and self-directed instructional practices. Notably, using AI-integrated technology significantly reduced teachers’ susceptibility to digital burnout, signifying a potential alleviation of stressors associated with technology-mediated teaching. This research provides valuable insights into the multifaceted effects of AI-powered technologies on educators, shedding light on enhancing professional competencies and mitigating digital burnout. The implications extend beyond the confines of this study, resonating with the broader discourse on leveraging technology to augment the teaching profession and optimize the learning environment.
2 citations
2 citations
TL;DR: The design elements implemented in the online professional development series "Pathways" were perceived to be beneficial to Instructional Technology Coaches' learning. However, some participants found hindrances to their learning from certain aspects of the design elements.
Abstract: This single-case study focused on the impact of design elements in online professional development for Instructional Technology Coaches to develop their TPACK. In this study, 30 participants enrolled in an online professional development series of synchronous and asynchronous sessions called Pathways. Ten design elements were implemented including content-focused, active learning, collaboration, modeling, coaching support, feedback, sustained duration and time, reflection, resources, and utilization of technology. Qualitative data were collected from 28 participants’ feedback forms, interviews, and asynchronous assignments. The results showed that all ten design elements were perceived to be beneficial to Instructional Technology Coaches’ learning. However, at the same time, some participants found a few hindrances to their learning from certain aspects of the six design elements. Hindrances in Pathways’ design elements include ineffective modeling, collaboration challenges, off-topic discussions, unfamiliarity with Teams, technical difficulties, insufficient time, and home distractions. These findings emphasize the need for effective collaboration, time allocation, and technical proficiency. The coaches developed their TPACK through Pathways as discovered by the rubric results of the asynchronous assignments. Directions for future research and recommendations for professional development are discussed.
TL;DR: Interprofessional identity formation requires comprehensive support from social and health care operations to achieve better quality and efficiency of care and services for clients.
Abstract: To achieve better quality and efficiency of care and services for clients, social and health care professionals should be educated to adopt an interprofessional way of working and thinking. This requires the development of an interprofessional identity alongside a professional identity. The process must be facilitated comprehensively in social and health care operations. The aim of this observational and cross-sectional mixed-method study was to investigate readiness and perceived development needs concerning interprofessional work among social and health care students and professionals. Furthermore, the aim was to examine the formation of an interprofessional identity in relation to the theoretical framework of interprofessional socialization. In our results, development needs, expressed by the respondents, were categorized at the system, profession, and individual levels of social and health care. Although, positive attitudes were established among students and professionals, our findings demonstrate that the formation of an interprofessional identity requires comprehensive support from social and health care operations. Interprofessional identity can be enhanced especially by applying and developing interprofessional education and lifelong learning.
TL;DR: This collaborative autoethnography explores Native American perspectives on culturally responsive pedagogy for Indigenous learners, highlighting the importance of contextually appropriate curriculum and community-based collaborative learning in teacher education programs.
Abstract: Earners from Native American communities in the U.S. experience unfamiliar curricula that are designed and implemented by educators from the dominant culture who are often unprepared to meet the needs of diverse leaners. Consequently, teacher education programs have a responsibility to equipe preservice teachers with knowledge and skills essential to integrating culturally relevant contents. Therefore, this collaborative autoethnography conducted as a teacher-educator professional development program, explored the perspectives of Native Peoples on preferred pedagogical approaches for Indigenous learners. Data were collected through autobiographical notes, written reflections, focus groups, interactive activities with study participants, and structured interviews. A thematic analysis resulted in two findings, that is, importance of contextually appropriate curriculum and the value of community-based collaborative learning professional development activities in supporting authentic culturally responsive lessons for teacher educators. Among other recommendations, the data support the enactment of teacher education programs that support intentional culturally collaborative Community-Based Professional Development activities between educators and Indigenous Peoples.
TL;DR: There was a significant positive correlation between tutors’ performance ranking and all five of the learning approaches examined herein: constructive/active learning, self-directed learning, contextual learning, collaborative learning, and intra-personal behavior.
Abstract: Abstract Background Faculty development programs are crucial for promoting continuous learning, enhancing teaching effectiveness, and encouraging professional growth among medical educators. Problem-based learning was introduced as a teaching strategy in our Faculty of Medicine in 2007. Thereafter, several rounds of a faculty development program were conducted to help teachers recognize their role as facilitators and assess areas for improvement. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study with a sample of 284 third-year medical students answering a questionnaire and 21 faculty members participating in focus groups. A validated 13-item questionnaire was used to investigate the students’ evaluation of their tutors’ performance in problem-based learning. Three sessions were then conducted with faculty members involved in problem-based learning to gain in-depth insights into their experiences and perspectives. Results The mean performance ranking for tutors awarded by the students was above halfway. There was a significant positive correlation between tutors’ performance ranking and all five of the learning approaches examined herein: constructive/active learning, self-directed learning, contextual learning, collaborative learning, and intra-personal behavior ( p < 0.05). The data from the focus groups were analyzed under five broad themes: tutors’ insights into their strengths and weaknesses, challenges in conducting problem-based learning, tutors’ ways of preparing for problem-based learning, feedback, and suggestions for improving problem-based learning workshops. Conclusions This study recommends improvements and future directions for advanced program evaluation. Faculty development programs can be tailored to effectively address students and faculty members’ goals and needs, which can benefit the teaching and learning process and foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
TL;DR: Language teacher professional curiosity explores the factors influencing teachers' willingness and ability to engage in professional development.
Abstract: Teacher professional development (PD) has been shown to have numerous benefits, such as greater self-efficacy, higher motivation, and enhanced wellbeing (e.g., Kimura, 2014; Polin, 2023; Wang & Chen, 2022), and teaching additional languages is certainly no exception. However, the extent to which teachers are willing and able to engage in PD throughout their careers depends on many factors, some of which are related to the context in which they work, while others are reflective of their individual attributes such as attitudes, motivations, and personality. This paper focuses on the latter by reporting the findings of a study that examined language teacher professional curiosity (LTPC). The data were collected through semi-structured interviews from 6 Austrian and 6 Polish language teachers at different stages of their careers. Qualitative analysis allowed valuable insights into the nature of LTPC, curiosity-driven behaviors as well as factors influencing these behaviors. It also provided the basis for a tentative cyclic process model of LTPC in which interest and curiosity interact to produce a focus of curiosity, which is impacted by motivation, agency, autonomy, and social context, generating a drive for teacher behaviors in respect to their PD.
TL;DR: Learning plans are used in undergraduate medical education to support self-regulated learning skills development and track trainees’ progress. However, their use varies and there are gaps in the research.
Abstract: Abstract Purpose How to best support self-regulated learning (SRL) skills development and track trainees’ progress along their competency-based medical education learning trajectory is unclear. Learning plans (LPs) may be the answer; however, information on their use in undergraduate medical education (UME) is limited. This study summarizes the literature regarding LP use in UME, explores the student’s role in LP development and implementation, and identifies additional research areas. Method MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Education Source, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published from database inception to March 6, 2024, and relevant reference lists were manually searched. The review included studies of undergraduate medical students, studies of LP use, and studies of the UME stage in any geographic setting. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative content analyses. Results The database search found 7,871 titles and abstracts with an additional 25 found from the manual search for a total of 7,896 articles, of which 39 met inclusion criteria. Many LPs lacked a guiding framework. LPs were associated with self-reported improved SRL skill development, learning structure, and learning outcomes. Barriers to their use for students and faculty were time to create and implement LPs, lack of training on LP development and implementation, and lack of engagement. Facilitators included SRL skill development, LP cocreation, and guidance by a trained mentor. Identified research gaps include objective outcome measures, longitudinal impact beyond UME, standardized framework for LP development and quality assessment, and training on SRL skills and LPs. Conclusions This review demonstrates variability of LP use in UME. LPs appear to have potential to support medical student education and facilitate translation of SRL skills into residency training. Successful use requires training and an experienced mentor. However, more research is required to determine whether benefits of LPs outweigh the resources required for their use.
TL;DR: School heads' clinical supervision practices positively influence teachers' professional competency development in Tanzania.
Abstract: The study examined the influence of school heads' clinical supervision practices on teachers' professional competency development in public secondary schools in Tanzania. It was a mixed-methods research approach that involved Tanzanian school heads and teachers. Survey data from 94 participants were quantitatively analysed, and narrative data from 28 informants were subject to content analysis. Based on narrative findings, clinical supervision was the factor in developing teachers' professional competencies: searching for teaching and learning resources, understanding the subject matter, organizing lessons, conducting interactive teaching and learning, and evaluating students' learning. The descriptive results showed pre-observation of the lesson plans (M = 1.79) ranked at strongly agreed responses. Pre-observation of schemes of work, classroom observation, supervisory feedback, teachers' professional support, and post-observation had a range of (M = 1.86) and (M = 2.06) ranked at agreed responses. These findings detail that school heads' clinical supervision practices positively influenced teachers' professional competency development. Therefore, the present study contributes to the existing literature of clinical supervision that each clinical supervision technical aspect has the potential to enhance teachers' teaching professional competencies development in the workplace. These findings exceptionally increase the need to strengthen the clinical supervision practices that centrally map teachers' professional needs and development.
TL;DR: Professional development strategies for quality assurance in a multi-campus higher education institution are effective, but vary in effectiveness. Faculty members generally agree on the key components of professional development initiatives. To enhance quality assurance, institutions should focus on faculty engagement, tailoring programs, addressing workload challenges, and leveraging existing opportunities.
Abstract: n higher education, professional development plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of teaching and learning. This study examines the level of professional development in quality assurance among faculty members of a multi-campus higher education institution. The study's objective was to assess the level of quality assurance professional development strategies. Quantitative data were collected using a survey questionnaire. Weighted mean was employed for data analysis. The study contributes to knowledge by revealing varying effectiveness across professional development strategies. The participants' level of agreement on the key components of professional development initiatives, the faculty members generally agree on the effectiveness and importance of needs assessment, relevance and customization, pedagogical training, and evaluation and feedback. Based on the findings, the study recommends reinforcing faculty engagement strategies, tailoring professional development programs, addressing workload challenges, and leveraging existing opportunities. The findings of this study enrich the understanding of the interplay between professional development and quality assurance in higher education, providing valuable insights for educational institutions to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.
TL;DR: This study develops a digital asynchronous simulation to support mathematics teachers' professional development in problem-based lessons, leveraging design-based research to enhance authenticity and nuanced feedback, and explores its effectiveness in emulating collaborative PD.
Abstract: Abstract The complexity of mathematics teaching is especially evident in lessons where teachers build on students’ genuine ideas, such as problem-based lessons. To enhance teachers’ capacity for rich discussions in problem-based instruction, we have developed a unique approximation of practice: digital asynchronous simulations where teachers make subject-specific decisions for a virtual teacher avatar. The simulations are based on materials and principles from a practice-based professional development (PD) program, implemented with small groups of teachers. The self-paced simulation model offers flexibility and scalability, allowing more teachers to participate on their own schedules, but it lacks key affordances of collaborative PD. To examine how to leverage the affordances of collaborative, practice-based PD, this paper uses a design-based research approach to explicate the mechanisms in which digital simulations can support mathematics teachers’ learning about problem-based lessons. We focus on two cycles of design, implementation, analysis, and revisions of the simulation model, drawing on data from focus groups with mathematics teacher educators, prospective teachers’ performance, and teachers’ reflective assignments. The analysis illustrates how two design principles – Authenticity to the teacher’s work , and Nuanced feedback – were transformed to better reflect aspects of practice-based teacher learning. We argue that self-paced, asynchronous simulations with indirect feedback can effectively emulate aspects of collaborative, practice-based PD in supporting teachers’ growth. The paper also contributes to the literature on mathematics teachers’ noticing and decision-making, examining how the two interact in simulated environments. We suggest implications for designing practice-based asynchronous digital simulations, drawing on emerging technologies.
TL;DR: A new conceptual framework for understanding and implementing train-the-trainer professional development on a large scale provides a systematic approach to address common implementation challenges and improve effectiveness.
Abstract: Professional development (PD) is critical to improving practice across all professional fields, including education. However, implementation of PD on a large scale is far from straightforward. Although train-the-trainer (TTT) approaches are widely used, there are numerous recognised weaknesses with implementation and limited analyses of the mechanisms that underlie such PD. In this paper, we propose a new conceptual framework to strengthen the adoption of TTT approaches by addressing three interconnected domains: substantive (content), structural (delivery), and relational (relationships). The framework was derived from analysis of our own approach to PD for teachers, Quality Teaching Rounds (QTR), which has shown significant positive effects for teachers and students through robust research. Our analysis demonstrates that QTR involves deliberate processes in each domain that counter the common weaknesses of TTT approaches. We argue that systematic attention to all three domains of the proposed conceptual framework will bolster successful implementation of PD using TTT approaches.
Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global shift toward online education, underscoring the need for quality faculty professional development to support educators in designing and delivering effective online courses. This study explores the impact of professional development utilizing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework on faculty’s pedagogical practices in online learning environments. The Online Teaching Fellows Program, a 14-week professional development series, engaged 20 graduate and undergraduate university faculty members from diverse disciplines (Engineering, Education, Law, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Humanities, Social Science, Business, and Criminal Justice) in a collaborative exploration of UDL principles to create authentic and equitable learning experiences. Qualitative data collection included interviews, exit tickets, faculty professional development artifacts (CANVAS course sites), and researcher notes. Faculty were introduced to diverse teaching strategies, including effective online information presentation, collaboration facilitation, and online assessment enhancement. The study underscores the potential of UDL principles to promote equitable educational opportunities and create transformative spaces in higher education globally.