Professional Learning And Development Essay

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There exist multiple modes of professional learning and development for teachers, and the process by which professional learning and development occurs within each mode reflects different conceptions about how knowledge is synthesized and shared. These modes also contain assumptions about the nature of teaching and learning, which follow from the underlying conception of knowledge within each mode. Although an understanding of the conceptions of knowledge reflected by varying professional learning and development practices may have some pragmatic value, focusing a discussion of teachers’ professional growth on the various conceptions of knowledge utilised in such processes ultimately distracts from more important issues concerning teachers’ …show more content…

377-378). Research has demonstrated that effective professional growth and development for teachers provides opportunities for teachers to practice new skills and approaches to working in the classroom, establishes a clear link between educational theory and school-specific practices, affords teachers adequate time to discuss and reflect on knowledge received and produced and gives teachers ongoing support in implementing new knowledge and teaching practices (Jenson, 2002, p. 493; Opfer & Pedder, 2011, pp. 384-385; Robinson, Myran, Strauss, & Reed, 2014, p. 144). An analysis of the intersection between frameworks for professional learning and development and conceptions of knowledge does not possess the utility of an analysis and subsequent understanding of the necessary features of effective professional learning and development. Focusing a discussion of professional learning and development on this intersection distracts from opportunities to understand the features of effective professional learning and development, which would provide teachers with the capacity to seek out, engage in and construct effective professional growth activities, thereby providing teachers with the resources to be able to improve their professional practice, independent of the framework of professional learning and development selected (Opfer & Pedder, 2011, p.

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