Professional learning

Teaching is one of the professions where dissatisfaction with various aspects of preparation for the profession as well as the on-going professional practice has stimulated a range of changes and innovations.

A model of professional development for principals based on peer-assisted leadership development, involving work-place shadowing, reflective interviewing, and evaluative feedback. Principals discovered their personal theories-of-action and learnt new theories which helped them address many of the dilemmas and issues they faced.

Fewer than 4% of primary and intermediate schools have half the 7.8% Pacific nations children. Only 2% of primary teachers are of similar background. A study of Pacific students at Wellington College of Education highlights some of the difficulties they face, and what colleges of education and tutors can do to help.

A 1999 report showed that causes of delays in student achievement were more complex than the teachers had previously thought. One was the low expectations teachers had of the students. In an effort to raise student achievement, Viscount School offered the teachers in-house professional development in literacy, “tailor-made” to the needs of their staff. The results revealed gains in student achievement and confirmed the school’s decision to continue down this pathway.

Three years’ research work with 14 primary school teachers and two principals in technology education has shown how effective research, development, and negotiated intervention strategies can be introduced to enhance student learning. Student gains in learning could be attributed to enhanced formative interactions, which resulted from improved teacher knowledge of technology and associated pedagogies.