Running professional development courses
Professional development programmes aim at evolving teachers’ classroom practices and their beliefs and attitudes and, in consequence, improving pupils’ learning outcomes and their interest in the related subject.
Evolving their classroom practices and their beliefs, however, is by no means an easy and straightforward process for teachers.
A provider of professional development courses should recognize that change is a gradual and difficult process for teachers.
Adopting new methodologies and pedagogical approaches (like those associated with inquiry-based learning) requires time,
effort and an increased workload. For that reason, a successful professional development course should:
- Provide long term support for teachers;
- Allow teachers to reflect on their own teaching practices;
- Start with teachers’ needs;
- Use innovative methods (those that teachers are expected to use in class);
- Take into account contextual factors (like assessment structures, curriculum)
Have a look at the Professional Development Modules that PRIMAS provides for inquiry-based, collaborative learning.
For professional development providers, PRIMAS offers a guide about how to plan a successful professional development course.
This guide will offer you key knowledge about:
- Inquiry-based learning;
- Teachers’ continuing professional development, including professional development strategies;
- PRIMAS professional development resources and platform;
- Strategies to guide and support teachers in their professional growth
You can download the professional development guide here.