This article addresses a gap in the literature by developing a theory that bridges lesson study and self-efficacy. Since self-efficacy has been linked to student achievement, the theory is important as an explanatory mechanism linking lesson study to student achievement. The theory was developed using grounded theory based on primary source data…

This paper explores the need for innovative leadership in teacher education in the Canadian context, with a particular call for renewed professional development of current teachers. Within a country defined as multicultural, recent demographic shifts, interregional migration, growing ethnic diversity, and the emergence of a paradigm of inclusion,…

Teachers' professional identities are associated with an ongoing commitment to professional development and the explicit aim of improving practice in order to increase student learning. During the last century, professional development initiatives took many forms, including laboratory schools, lesson study, video clubs, and demonstration…

The purpose of this exploratory study was to gain a better understanding of how to provide learning opportunities to improve teaching practices for the increasing numbers of academics who are choosing to work online from remote offices, sometimes called e-academics, remote workers, or teleworkers. The objectives of the study were twofold: (1) to…

This policy brief examines standards-based approaches that hold promise for shaping a common vision of skilled teaching commensurate with the national goal of preparing all students for college and careers. Numerous studies confirm that teachers are the most significant school-based factor in improving student achievement, particularly for the…

This article describes a collaborative research study of university researchers and Grades one and two teachers from an Ontario, Canada French-language School Board. The School Board offered phonological awareness and reading-teaching training to grades one and two teachers with a long-term goal of improving the reading outcomes of the students in…

This paper is intended to support school authorities by summarizing research on professional development. The term professional development is used in a context that encompasses related terms such as staff development, training and in-service. The paper covers conceptions and understandings of professional development, processes and approaches…

Professional learning communities (PLCs) have been held up as powerful structures for teachers' continuing professional development. In this work, the author has applied transformative learning theory to highlight the psychic risks of collaborative teacher learning, as well as the need for practical efforts to improve student learning--the means…

This paper recounts the author's experience with giving a Needs Assessment for improvement by university teachers. Subjects were from the University of Lethbridge and the 2008 Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) conference session. Teachers at the University (n = 77) indicated they could spend 5-15 hours in teaching…

Increments in educational budgets have been devoted to professional development for teachers to help them accommodate their practices to the realities of their classrooms. Previous research has suggested that despite this significant investment, there has been little, if any, positive change. This begs the question of what else might be done to…

The International Handbook of Teacher and School Development brings together a collection of research and evidence-based authoritative writings which focus on international teacher and school development. Drawing on research from 18 countries across 7 continents, the 40 chapters are grouped into 10 themes which represent key aspects of teacher and…

A short course designed to assist trainers in solving some of the problems they face transmitting knowledge to students is described. (EC)

Discusses the need for vocational educators to keep up with developments in their field. Details updating practices at provincial and territorial levels. (JOW)