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At a Glance
Professional development to improve teachers’ practice in giving feedback to students during active learning is difficult. This small-scale, pre- and post-test study of teachers of 9- to 12-year-olds demonstrates that professional development thoughtfully designed applying research-based features influences teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors.
The study
Van den Bergh, L., Ros, A., & Beijaard, D. (2014). Improving teacher feedback during active learning: Effects of a professional development program. American Educational Research Journal, 51(4), 772-809.
What This Means For Practitioners
Researchers provided evidence that well-designed professional development can result in changes in teachers’ beliefs, perceived problems, and behaviors when it builds on teachers’ existing knowledge, perceptions, and practices and when it integrates characteristics of effective professional learning.
The study confirms that deep change in teacher beliefs, perceived problems, and behaviors requires sustained support over time. Researchers conclude that it is possible to enhance teachers’ classroom behavior in lasting ways by implementing a carefully designed professional development program (p. 804).
By improving teacher behavior associated with student academic success, such as feedback and active learning, professional development has the potential to improve student success.
Learning Forward is the only professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. We help our members plan, implement, and measure high-quality professional learning so they can achieve success with their systems, schools, and students.
Categories: Learning designs
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