We describe a longitudinal (5-year) researcher-supported initiative designed to strengthen the research-practice link (RPL) and serve as an effective form of situated professional learning and development (PLD) in adult second language programs. We facilitated the formation of and supported 9 professional reading groups of 6-12 instructors (N =…

Teachers seek and require meaningful professional development opportunities to truly grow in the profession. Teacher inquiry, or teacher research, is one way to accomplish professional development goals. Teacher inquiry is thought of as individualized, personalized, and meaningful professional development (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 1999). In this…

Faculty Research Development (FRD) in higher education institutions (HEI) is often implemented haphazardly and rarely evaluated. In this paper, we introduce a robust assessment framework (CERTi) that utilizes an overarching (Macro-level) adult-learner faculty-centric theoretical framework which incorporates using qualitative, quantitative, and…

Teaching in secondary education is mostly grounded in the practical wisdom of teachers. In general, teachers have limited knowledge of, access to, and interest in insights from scholarly work. Teacher research might be a way to move beyond practical wisdom as the only basis for good teaching. This study aimed to explore whether teacher research…

This article presents findings from an education design research program to advance the development of the Cultural Proficiency Continuum Dialogic Protocol (CPCDP). The CPCDP is a primary data source that uses andragogical and asset-based pedagogies and approaches to assess and codify educators' cultural competence systematically. Findings…

Familiarity and distance is an issue that is much discussed in ethnographic fieldwork. This paper focuses on the topic of balancing familiarity and distance when the researcher is directly or indirectly part of the field, which in the study consists of an adult education context of two different teacher-training courses for upper secondary…

The focus of this study was to explore high school teachers' perceptions of self-directed professional development learning as participants in a community of practice. The questions for this study were: How did directing their own learning influence high school teachers' perceptions of their professional development? How did participating in a…

This paper tells a story about the design, development and impact of a post-graduate Masters-level module aimed at (1) enabling groups of teachers within schools to develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning on the basis of their own Lesson Studies and (2) creating a school network of excellence for Lesson Study in the area as a…

In this article, we introduce a threefold peer learning model developed during the design and implementation of an innovative researcher-led digital skills training programme for early career researchers. The programme brought together researchers from three UK universities and facilitated the personal and professional development of: (1) the…

Grounded in the Self-Determination Theory, this study examines the relations between teacher educators' experienced work pressure and opportunities for professional growth, their work related basic needs satisfaction (i.e. autonomy, competence and relatedness) and their researcherly disposition (i.e. being a smart consumer of research, being able…

This research aimed at investigating university teachers' engagement in CPD activities, perceived importance of different CPD activities, skills to be focused in future training and barriers in professional development of teachers. Comparison of teachers' opinions was also made by gender and discipline. A self-developed questionnaire was…

The changing needs of learners drive teachers to improve themselves in terms of professional development (PD). To achieve that, teachers apply to activities such as in-service training (INSET) programs. However, these programs may sometimes fail to respond to the needs of teachers; therefore, "teacher research" (TR) gains importance. A…

The American Association for Adult Continuing Education Conference Theme Adaptability, Flexibility, and Sustainability--Adult Education in Dynamic Times is a reflection of the association's global commitment to Transforming Lives and Communities across the spectrum. For the past three years, the American Association has worked to codify and…

The aim of this study was to explore the professional development needs of lecturers at Kenyan universities. Specifically, the study investigated the challenges that lecturers and their learners face while in class. It also explored the professional development needs of the lecturers, preferred modes of delivery of the professional development…

This article is a narrative résumé of a year-long collaborative critical inquiry into teaching methods with teachers of modern languages in Irish secondary schools. Putting myself, a cultural stranger and first-time qualitative researcher, at the core of this self-study, I discuss first the context and methodological framework of the study to…