This paper explores whether a professional development weblog could support work-based learning in a TAFE Library. The paper includes both a literature review of material dealing with work-based learning in the VET sector, weblogs and their possible use as a professional development tool and an evaluation of a weblog project devised to support…

This article presents evidence that maths diagnostic assessments, consequent individualized learning programmes and face-to-face maths study support can combine to significantly increase maths related module pass rates and scores for undergraduate engineering students. It is argued that simply having a quiet, relaxed, supported study area,…

This practice article explores the relationship between practice and professional learning. Are these two distinctly separate activities, competing for the time of a staff member, or are practice and learning linked? If so, what is the nature of this link and how can we best align professional learning with practice outcomes? Using an example from…

In this article "teacher as public art" is used as a metaphor to describe and explain the all-too-common perceptions and experiences of professors of color, especially women, within the academy. Highlighted throughout this discussion are: (1) the relevance of locating self within the context of people and place; and (2) the importance of bringing…

If you are looking for a book that provides concrete advice for establishing group reflection, then "Talking Teaching" is the perfect choice. The work is the product of a 3-year grant-supported induction year program. College faculty from an associated group of colleges joined staff developers from a growing suburban district in creating an entire…

This research reports results of a survey of content area educators who completed an in-service content area reading course in May 2000. Educators completed two surveys, one each year following the course to determine the most effective content area strategies utilized during the two years following the course. In the surveys, teachers reported…

The author proposes that the unique benefit of self-evaluation for college faculty is the close involvement it gives the teacher in considering the effectiveness of their own teaching. Different methods of self-evaluation are considered, and a technique involving keeping a course log that has been found successful is explained. (Author/MSE)

Portfolios are an effective method to encourage teachers to evaluate their abilities and enhance their skills. Portfolios contain written documentation of planning, content or curriculum, organization and presentation method, type and extent of interactions with students and parents, assessment uses and methods, classroom-management approaches,…

The author, a (British) science teacher, explains his changing perceptions of teaching and learning in science over a 30-year period. He illustrates effects of a personal conversion to an active teaching strategy by referring to the teaching and learning of ecological concepts in younger children and in elementary teachers in training. (39…

Those who expect consultants to solve problems for schools operating under the traditional model of fragmentation and teacher isolation will be disappointed. The key to using consultants effectively is developing systematic processes that engage staff in the work of a professional learning community as they consider the ideas presented to them.…

Summarizes a study focused on three major components of Texas Centers for Professional Development and Technology: visions of professional development, enactments of PDS models, and the models' effects on experienced teachers, university faculty, and preservice teachers. Due to the program's collaborative nature, study participants learned from…

Based on a classroom teaching incident described elsewhere in the issue, use of reflective teaching to improve college instruction is discussed. Ways in which the professor's changing understanding of the teaching situation can be deepened by teacher-directed assessment in such a context and, in turn, inform future classroom research, are…

Explores the nature and evolution of professional learning conversations that emerge when teachers in master's classes are involved in rubric-focused coaching with peers. Finds that teachers' self-developed strategy rubrics on strategy lessons initiated focus learning conversations about instruction, increased their trust of professional…

In a three year research study we addressed the question: "How does authenticity develop and what can we do to encourage that development?" We came to understand that becoming an authentic teacher is a journey during which an individual becomes more aware of him/herself apart from the collective. We came to define authenticity as a cluster of…

As a result of recent changes to U.S. undergraduate mathematics instruction, graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) may now be asked to teach in ways that they did not themselves experience as students. One such example is the use of collaborative group learning. The preparation TAs receive to teach in these new ways has the potential to shape…