To say teaching is a complex activity is something of an understatement. Teachers make 1000s of decisions every day. These decisions are influenced by various factors such as beliefs about what to teach, how to teach it, how to manage student behaviour, how to meet external demands, and by teachers’ subject and pedagogical knowledge. This complex situation is compounded by difficult-to-control factors such as students’ socio-economic situation, home life and peer group relationships. However, regardless of context, teachers make a difference, and the quality of teaching can make the biggest difference in students’ learning and success in school. As Rauch and Coe explain, improving the quality of teaching is arguably the single most important thing that teachers and school leaders can focus on to make a difference in children’s learning, and as Dylan Wiliam reminds us, “Every teacher needs to improve, not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better.”
Every teacher needs to improve, not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better.”
Dylan Wiliam
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for teachers is essential in ensuring the continual growth and success of any education system. Drawing on sources such as Teacher Professional Learning and Development by Helen Timperley, Teacher CPD: International Trends, Opportunities and Challenges edited by Cat Scutt and Sarah Harrison, the Effective Professional Development Guidance Report by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), and the study titled Effects of Professional Development on Teachers’ Instruction by Laura Desimone et al., this article explores eight key ingredients that contribute to effective teacher CPD.
1. Sustained Duration and Depth
Short, sporadic training sessions may not provide the depth required for lasting impact. The EEF’s Guidance Report stresses the significance of sustained CPD over an extended period. Longitudinal studies, such as the one conducted by Desimone et al., support this idea, indicating that extended and continuous professional development positively influences teachers’ instructional practices. A comprehensive and immersive approach allows educators to delve deep into the subject matter, reinforcing and integrating new knowledge and skills.
2. Focused and Relevant Content
Effective CPD begins with content that is focused and relevant to the needs of teachers and their educational setting. Timperley emphasises the importance of aligning professional learning with the specific needs of teachers, ensuring that it addresses the challenges they face in the classroom by asking, “What do we as teachers need to learn to promote the learning of our students?” Tailoring content to teachers’ context and needs creates a more meaningful learning experience for educators and will positively impact student outcomes.
What do we as teachers need to learn to
Helen Timperley
promote the learning of our students?
3. Collaborative Learning Communities
Teachers benefit greatly from collaboration and shared learning experiences. Scutt and Harrison’s work underlines the importance of establishing collaborative learning communities as part of CPD initiatives. Encouraging teachers to engage in discussions, share best practices, and collaborate on projects fosters a supportive professional environment. This approach enhances individual development and contributes to a culture of collective improvement within the school community.
4. Formative Assessment and Feedback
In the same way as student learning, formative assessment and constructive feedback mechanisms are essential for effective teacher CPD. Timperley stresses the importance of feedback as a tool for self-reflection and improvement. Integrating assessment into CPD allows educators to evaluate their progress and make any necessary adjustments. The feedback loop, when embedded in the learning process, ensures that CPD is a responsive experience tailored to teachers’ evolving needs.
Improving the quality of teaching is arguably the single most important thing that teachers and school leaders can focus on to make a difference in children’s learning.
Rauch & Coe
5. Research-Informed Practices
Drawing on research-backed methodologies and evidence-based practices enhances the credibility and effectiveness of teacher CPD. Desimone et al.’s work highlights the positive impact of professional development grounded in rigorous research. Integrating the latest research findings into CPD programs equips teachers with evidence-based strategies, keeping them aware of innovative teaching methods and pedagogical approaches. Focusing on evidence-based practices can also help dispel misconceptions a teacher may hold about less effective teaching and learning approaches.
6. Leadership Support and Engagement
The role of leadership in facilitating, supporting and championing CPD cannot be overstated. Scutt and Harrison emphasise the need for leadership support and engagement in promoting a culture of continuous learning. School leaders are pivotal in creating an environment where CPD is valued, resourced, and embedded into the school’s ethos. This support extends beyond providing resources to active participation in professional development initiatives.
School leaders play a pivotal role in creating an environment where CPD is valued, resourced, and embedded into the school’s ethos.
7. Reflective Practice
Encouraging reflective practice is an essential ingredient for effective CPD. Timperley encourages teachers to reflect thoughtfully on their teaching, learn from experience, and refine their approaches. Reflective practice facilitates a deeper understanding of the impact of professional development on classroom practices, enabling teachers to make informed adjustments and improvements.
8. External Expertise
External expertise enables meaningful CPD, driving transformative outcomes. These experts are crucial in introducing new knowledge, challenging assumptions about curriculum and student capabilities, and focusing on student outcomes. By emphasising evidence-based methodologies, external experts guide educators away from bureaucratic approaches that oversimplify the nuanced complexity of teaching. Effective external experts bridge theory and practice, making new knowledge manageable within teachers’ contexts. Engaging teachers in collaborative discussions ensures alignment between knowledge and practice. Facilitators should provide sustained support, empowering teachers to adopt a self-regulated, inquiry-driven approach to teaching.
External experts play a crucial role in introducing new knowledge, challenging assumptions about curriculum and student capabilities.
In conclusion, effective teacher CPD hinges on a blend of focused content, sustained duration, collaborative learning communities, formative assessment, research-informed practices, leadership support, reflective practice, and external expertise. By incorporating these crucial elements into CPD initiatives, schools and leaders can support professional growth, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ultimately yield positive impacts on student outcomes. As we pursue excellence in education, ongoing investment in the development of our teachers stands as a worthwhile and vital component of our success.