Rethinking Teacher Professional Development: Designing and Researching How Teachers Learn

This book offers a sociomaterial perspective on teacher sensemaking, challenging established thinking and guiding professional development. It is based on the Learning4Teaching Project and presents a teacher-centered perspective that disputes conventional conceptualizations of teacher learning and professional development. The book offers insights to inform professional development across disciplines, cultures, and contexts and is written by a leading international teacher educator in an accessible style.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the realm of teacher professional development, challenging the status quo. It is rooted in the extensive research conducted by the Learning4Teaching Project, which delved into the experiences and learning outcomes of public-sector teachers across three diverse countries. Through a sociomaterial lens, the book presents a teacher-centered approach that goes against the traditional notion of teachers merely acquiring content to apply in their classrooms.

In Part I, the book explores the conventional conceptualizations and studies of teacher learning and professional development. It raises critical questions about the dominant paradigms and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play. Part II introduces a novel set of concepts that challenge these assumptions and offer a fresh perspective on teacher professional development. These concepts include the notions of situated learning, collaborative inquiry, and reflexive practice, which emphasize the importance of context, collaboration, and self-reflection in the learning process.

Part III of the book provides valuable insights that can inform professional development practices across various disciplines, cultures, and contexts. It offers practical strategies and approaches for designing and implementing effective teacher professional development programs. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, incorporating visual representations and project data to enhance understanding and engagement. It appeals to a wide audience, including practitioners, scholars, and researchers who are passionate about enhancing the learning and growth of teachers.

By presenting a new set of ideas and offering a teacher-centered perspective, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue on teacher professional development. It provides valuable insights and practical strategies for educators, policymakers, and practitioners alike, as they strive to create inclusive and effective learning environments for teachers and students.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032146614