Developing a professional vision of classroom practices of a mathematics teacher: views from a researcher and a teacher

The term professional vision points to the many nuanced ways professionals see. This paper traces the development of a professional vision of a researcher and a teacher looking at classroom practices. The researcher’s interest was to capture and study notable aspects of the teacher’s practice. Through a coding scheme, disparate classroom events were organized and analyzed to yield a researcher’s professional vision of the teacher’s practices. For the teacher, through reviewing the video records of his own classroom practices, his professional vision provided a basis for him to reflect and develop professionally. Leveraging on the work of the researcher, he initiated and transformed his own practices. Their collaboration yielded a mutually informed development of professional vision of classroom practices. In juxtaposing the two developments, the researcher and the teacher’s views can be contrasted, their distinctive interests highlighted and common grounds explored. Some implications for developing professional vision are drawn, and it is in the common grounds of the teacher’s professional development and seeing with a goal of enhancing of student learning that hold some promise of a mutual interest in developing a professional vision of classroom practices.     

Mentor teacher professional identity development in a year-long teacher residency

In this article I examined the professional identity development of five mentor teachers in a year-long, clinically rich teacher residency partnered between a university-based teacher education program and schools in a southern state of the United States. Qualitative data were collected through classroom observation and individual semi-structured interviews with a focus on participants’ mentoring activities and the ways they enacted and described their identities. Participants came to new mentoring beliefs and practices as they navigated the residency and developed a multifaceted identity to mediate their learning to become mentors and teacher educators. Implications for mentor teacher professional support, teacher preparation, and future research were discussed.     

Design of online teacher professional development in a statewide Reading First professional development system

This study examined the pedagogy of three online teacher professional development (oTPD) modules. Evidence of design features oriented to the how people learn framework was the primary research objective. An analytic framework was devised to code knowledge types, levels of cognitive demand, levels of interaction, and sensory details in the learning architecture of each module. All three online modules showed a didactic pedagogy (show and tell) rather than a constructivist one (teaching for understanding). Module content emphasized declarative types of knowledge (facts and concepts), and lower levels of cognitive demand (remember and understanding). The interaction pattern of two modules was largely passive, reflecting a limited level of learner participation, control, productivity, and creativity of experience. A third module, developed after research on the other two, provided learners with more guided and self-initiated interaction. Sensory design of the modules was the most well-developed and supportive of learner engagement. The study confirmed the need for more research on design principles and strategies to support constructivist principles in oTPD modules.     

Teacher professional leadership in support of teacher professional development

Counteracting perceptions of teaching as a profession with a flat career trajectory may require professional leadership opportunities for experienced teachers that differ substantively from those typically available. This evaluation study investigated the results of a professional development initiative for subject specialist teachers seconded to a leadership role in their curriculum areas. Interview and survey data supported teacher growth in subject expertise and leadership capacity attributed to the opportunities provided by the new teacher-leadership role. The findings of this study indicate expanded leadership roles may further develop experienced professionals while simultaneously supporting teacher knowledge during a period of embedding educational reform.     

"教师即研究者"与教师专业发展

随着教育时间的延伸和教育空间的拓展，教育的终身化和全球化已成为一种发展趋势。这种趋势日益彰显教育在社会发展以及人的发展中的重大作用。由此，质量将取代数量成为教育价值取向的决定因素。从数量向质量的转移，标志着一个时代的结束和另一个新时代的开始。20世纪下半叶以来，科学技术特别是信息技术的迅猛发展，给社会生产方式、生活方式和思维模式带来了巨大的变化。人类正步入一个以知识为基础的知识经济时代。     

Supporting the professional development of teacher educators in a productive way

This study reports on what 13 teacher educators going through a procedure to become registered as a teacher educator in 2011–2012 learned, what goals they formulated for their further professional development and what activities they planned to achieve these goals. The methods used in this study are mainly the same as were used at the time the first cohort went through the registration procedure in 2002. The 2012 cohort participated in a supportive programme, whereas the 2002 cohort did not. This enables a comparison of the results of both studies and thus some insight into the possible benefits of integrating a registration procedure with a supportive programme for the professional development of teacher educators.     

Developing understanding of mathematical modeling in secondary teacher preparation

This study examines the evolution of 11 prospective teachers’ understanding of mathematical modeling through the implementation of a modeling module within a curriculum course in a secondary teacher preparation program. While the prospective teachers had not previously taken a course on mathematical modeling, they will be expected to include modeling as part of the school curriculum under current state standards. The module consisted of readings, analysis of the Common Core State Standards, carefully designed modeling activities, individual and group work, discussion, presentations, and reflections. The results show that while most prospective teachers had misconceived definitions of mathematical modeling prior to the module, they developed the correct understanding of modeling as an iterative process involving making assumptions and validating conclusions connected to everyday situations. The study reveals how the prospective teachers translated the modeling cycle into practice in the context of a carefully designed open-ended problem and the strong connections between modeling activities and promoting mathematical practices.     

Research and professional development of teacher educators

Over the last decade teacher educators have started to systematically study the processes involved in their efforts to improve their teacher education practices. This research by teacher educators (self‐study research) has made an enormous contribution to the professional development of the teacher educators involved. Many teacher educators, however, have neither the time nor the knowledge to systematically study their own practices. In the light of this situation, the authors of this article have tried to devise other research strategies to support the professional development of teacher educators. The three studies presented in this article can be described as research with teacher educators. In closing, and based on the reflection on the three studies, five characteristics of productive research with teacher educators are presented.

Au cours des dix dernières années, les formateurs d'enseignants ont commencé à étudier systématiquement les processus impliqués dans les efforts qu'ils déployaient pour perfectionner leurs pratiques de formation d'enseignants. Cette recherche (étude individuelle) effectuée par des formateurs d'enseignants montre qu'elle contribue énormément au perfectionnement professionnel des formateurs. Il convient de signaler toutefois que plusieurs formateurs ne disposent ni du temps ni des connaissances qui leur permettraient d'étudier leurs pratiques professionnelles de manière systématique. C'est dans le cadre de cette situation que les auteurs du présent article se sont efforcés de concevoir d'autres stratégies de recherche pour soutenir le perfectionnement professionnel des formateurs d'enseignants. Les trois études présentées dans l'article peuvent être décrites comme étant des recherches entreprises avec des formateurs d'enseignants. Pour conclure, cinq caractéristiques de recherche productive avec des formateurs sont développées à partir de la réflexion des trois études.

En la última década, los formadores de docentes han empezado a estudiar sistemáticamente los procesos implicados en sus esfuerzos por mejorar las prácticas de formación de docentes. Esta investigación realizada por los propios formadores de docentes (investigación de autoestudio) ha demostrado contribuir enormemente a su desarrollo profesional. Sin embargo, muchos formadores de docentes no disponen de tiempo ni de conocimientos para estudiar sus propias prácticas de forma sistemática. En vista de esta situación, los autores del presente artículo han intentado diseñar otras estrategias de investigación para apoyar el desarrollo profesional de los formadores de docentes. Los tres estudios presentados en este artículo pueden describirse como una investigación con formadores de docentes. Para finalizar, y partiendo de la reflexión sobre estos tres estudios, se presentan cinco características de la investigación productiva con formadores de docentes.

In der letzten Dekade haben die Lehrerausbilder begonnen, systematisch die Prozesse zu erforschen, die zur Verbesserung ihrer Handlungsweise im Lehrerausbildungsbereich erforderlich sind. Diese von Lehrerausbildern durchgeführte Forschung (Selbststudienforschung) leistet einen bedeutenden Beitrag zur beruflichen Entwicklung der betroffenen Lehrerausbilder. Viele Lehrerausbilder haben jedoch weder die Zeit noch die Kenntnisse, ihre eigene Handlungsweise systematisch zu erforschen. In diesem Licht betrachtet haben die Autoren dieses Artikels versucht, andere Forschungsstrategien zu erarbeiten, um die berufliche Entwicklung von Lehrerausbildern zu unterstützen. Die drei in diesem Artikel vorgelegten Studien können als Forschung mit Lehrerausbildern bezeichnet werden. Abschließend und basierend auf der Reflexion über die drei Studien werden fünf charakteristische Merkmale produktiver Forschung mit Lehrerausbildern vorgelegt.     

论高校教师的继续教育与专业化发展

继续教育是促进高校教师专业化发展的有效途径。当前,高校教师继续教育的问题已成为教育改革的重要内容。而解决这些问题,应处理好教师个人发展与学校发展的关系、科研能力与教学能力的关系、校外培训与校内培训的关系。     

当代地理教师专业发展的制约因素及发展途径

教师专业发展适应现代教育发展的需要,目前己成为世界教师教育发展的潮流。地理教师专业发展是教师专业化的一个重要组成部分,作为地理教育工作者,全面而正确地认识地理教师专业发展的制约因素,找到适合其发展的有效途径,无疑有着非常重要的意义。本文就针对当前制约其发展的因素,提出了一些解决的途径,借以抛砖引玉。     

Self-efficacy,teacher concerns,and levels of implementation among teachers participating in drama-based instruction professional development

This mixed methods study seeks to explore the relationships between teacher concerns, self-efficacy, and level of comfort with the implementation of drama-based instruction (DBI) within a large-scale initiative to increase learning opportunities through the arts. This study was embedded in a year-long professional development program during which teachers either (a) attended three school-wide in-service trainings (‘non-cadre teachers’) or (b) participated in a small group (‘cadre teachers’) that received ongoing, focused support from a teaching artist throughout the year in addition to the school-wide training. Significant differences were present in cadre teachers’ comfort with the reform as compared to non-cadre teachers both at the beginning and end of the reform. Additionally, self-efficacy and comfort with DBI were significantly related at both the beginning and end of the year. Teachers who were more comfortable with DBI appeared to progress to higher order concerns regarding the reform. We discuss the significance of these findings in the context of design and implementation of professional developments that promote pedagogical conceptual change.     

The role of video in teacher professional development

This literature review focuses on the e-use of video in teacher initial and continuing professional development. There is evidence that video technology used synchronously, and particularly asynchronously, can extend the quantity and quality of classroom observation experience, which in turn supports the development of observation, analysis and reflection in viewers. Theorising on these gains, the authors describe how the linking of theory to practice, the development of pedagogical language and collaborative learning through communities of practice might all be related to video-enhanced teacher education. Claims for gains in codified subject knowledge are less convincing.     

Comparing technology-related teacher professional development designs: a multilevel study of teacher and student impacts

This article presents a quasi-experimental study comparing the impact of two technology-related teacher professional development (TTPD) designs, aimed at helping junior high school science and mathematics teachers design online activities using the rapidly growing set of online learning resources available on the Internet. The first TTPD design (tech-only) focused exclusively on enhancing technology knowledge and skills for finding, selecting, and designing classroom activities with online resources, while the second (tech?+?pbl) coupled technology knowledge with learning to design problem-based learning (PBL) activities for students. Both designs showed large pre-post gains for teacher participants (N?=?36) in terms of self-reported knowledge, skills, and technology integration. Significant interaction effects show that teachers in the tech?+?pbl group had larger gains for self-reported knowledge and externally rated use of PBL. Three generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were fit to study the impact on students?? (N?=?1,247) self reported gains in behavior, knowledge, and attitudes. In the resulting models, students of tech?+?pbl teachers showed significant increases in gain scores for all three outcomes. By contrast, students of tech-only teachers showed improved gains only in attitudes.     

浅析教师专业发展与教师专业化

厘清"教师专业发展"与"教师专业化"的基本概念,比较两者涵义的异同,这有利于明晰"教师专业发展"与"教师专业化"的内外联系,有利于探索实现"教师专业发展"与"教师专业化"的基本模式.     

Traversing the context of professional learning communities: development and implementation of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge of a primary science teacher

Background: Professional learning communities are increasingly recognized for their significance in building teachers’ competencies for educational reform. However, the knowledge development cycle of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) through multiple professional learning communities is not well researched.

Purpose: This qualitative case study investigates a primary science teacher’s TPACK development in the context of two interdependent learning spaces: a joint-school and a within-school professional learning community. The school’s organizational and sociocultural influences on teacher learning are also examined.

Participant: Teacher Sean (pseudonym) embarked on a science innovation project after two years of teaching in a Singapore mainstream school. He was tasked to integrate mobile-based inquiry learning and visible thinking pedagogical approaches, and to pilot the designed lessons for a primary three class.

Design and methods: A case-study approach involving multiple sources of data with cultural historical activity theory as the analytical lens was employed, to unpack the complementary and contradictory interactions across different interrelated activity systems. The purpose was to understand the (mis)alignments within and between the two professional learning communities.

Results: The findings indicate that Sean’s (subject) learning from the joint-school professional learning community to the within-school professional learning community faced multiple tensions that hindered his TPACK development (object). He faced difficulty in manipulating tools (technology and visible thinking routines) to translate the joint-school co-designed lessons into classroom implementation. Additionally, the volatility of the school’s organizational routines (rules) and the lack of communicative leader–teacher partnership (division of labor) did not afford sufficient infrastructure or instructional support.

Conclusions: Interactions between the teacher’s personal and contextual factors inhibited the designed TPACK from being implemented successfully. For ambitious pedagogical undertakings as illustrated in this case, more perceptive and synergistic organizational design thinking is needed to support beginning teachers’ TPACK development.     

Promoting the development of teacher professional knowledge: Integrating content and pedagogy in teacher education

The study investigates the explicit and integrated presentation of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), pedagogical knowledge (PK), and content knowledge (CK) in teacher education. We compare learning environments to study whether only presenting PK and CK is sufficient for PCK development, whether only presenting PCK is sufficient for PK and CK development, and whether PCK development is affected by integrating PCK, PK and CK. We find that only presenting two knowledge domains to students is insufficient to develop the third one, and integrating knowledge domains does not impact PCK development.     

Landmarks in the professional and academic development of mid-career teacher educators

This paper focuses on the professional and academic development of mid-career teacher educators from two universities in England. The objectives of the study were to analyse and compare the career experiences of teacher educators; in particular, to identify stages of development, landmark events and contextual factors affecting professional learning and academic identities. In-depth biographical interviews were carried out with 12 teacher educators, together with living graphs of their career paths. Clear landmarks were identified in both contexts, with development in teaching seen as largely positive, while research development was much more varied. Teacher educators who were further on in their careers saw research development as transformative personally as well as academically. In analysing the findings within a sociocultural learning framework, the authors draw in particular on Swennen et al.’s model of teacher educators’ sub-identities, Akerlind’s categorisation of an academic identity and Eraut’s contextual and learning factors.     

Studying the classroom implementation of tasks: High-level mathematical tasks embedded in ‘real-life’ contexts

Mathematical tasks embedded in real-life contexts have received increased attention by educators, in part due to the considerable levels of student engagement often triggered by their motivational features. Nevertheless, it is often challenging for teachers to implement high-level (i.e., cognitively demanding), real-life tasks in ways that exploit their motivational features without overshadowing the mathematics involved. This paper proposes an analytic framework for describing and explaining the classroom implementation of different kinds of tasks, and uses this framework to analyse a classroom episode where a secondary teacher implemented with low fidelity a high-level, real-life mathematical task. Implications for research are discussed.