Explored the potential of the case method in teacher professional development. Experienced Israeli teachers were exposed to a case, and researchers characterized the resulting dialog. Teacher interviews indicated that teachers found the language of the case communicative. Teachers viewed this method as respectable and credible, though most did not…

Describes use of a strategy adapted from the American Association for Higher Education's Peer Review of Teaching Project, the "reflective memo," to provide backward and forward view of post-tenure reviews in the chemistry department of the University of Wisconsin (Madison). The approach served as a guide in review of research, teaching,…

This article offers a description of critical literacy practice and/as professional development as it evolved in a teacher inquiry group investigating critical literacy. The authors describe this professional development experience as an instance of critical literacy in practice. The entirety of this article is a collaborative product in which the…

Recognizing that reflective practice is an important approach for professional and staff development, this paper discusses the use of the teaching portfolio approach to improving reflection and reflective practices among early childhood education staff. The teaching portfolio approach involves collecting evidence of best practices; developing a…

Focusing on personal knowledge and how it influences teacher development, this book follows one teacher, Kay, from her years of teacher preparation through her time as a seasoned veteran. Nine chapters focus on: (1) "Promise and Possibility" (e.g., teacher development as socialization and reflective teacher preparation); (2) "The…

In English teacher education, some have seen Schon's work as justifying movement toward school-based training to bridge theory-practice gaps in teacher education. This article suggests that Schon's work, in the context of Wittgenstein's description of language, can be reinterpreted to support a wider notion of teacher education and professional…

Two recent theoretical developments in adult education, self-directed learning and transformative learning, are applied to the college faculty development process. With this approach, faculty learn to direct their own learning process, become aware of their assumptions about teaching, and revise them using critical self-reflection. (MSE)

Presents ideas for broadening the perspective of teacher reflection, discussing ways to encourage teachers and principals to make suggestions about developing their schools and their perspectives of teachers' work. Finland's efforts toward that goal are examined, focusing on perspectives in reflection and tools for broadening perspectives. (SM)

Issues and problems encountered in teaching a university faculty development course are discussed. The course focused on sustained reflection and classroom research as a means for improving instruction. Issues include the challenge of addressing each teacher's needs and transforming course learning and shared experience into better classroom…

Discusses theory and practice in the context of peer observation. Peer Observation is widely accepted in principle as a valuable contribution to teacher development, but in practice it is often resisted.(SM)

By statutory mandate, all first-year teachers in Kentucky receive support and assistance that develop a strong, lifelong career foundation. Legislation in 1985 established a collegial team to induct new professionals and establish a culture of continuing growth for the profession. Internships with meaningful mentoring are keys to success. (MLH)

Examines limitations and possibilities of reflection in teacher learning and change, discussing choices regarding its purposes and processes and arguing that if it is to succeed, teachers must engage in partnerships with colleagues from inside or outside the school in order to confront thinking and practice; a necessary process if the outcome of…

This study explores how an Inquiry-Based Demonstration Classroom (IBDC) professional development program affects the extended inquiry instruction of secondary science teachers and how teachers view their extended inquiry practice while involved in the IBDC professional development program. To assess the impact of the program on participants'…

This book considers education policy throughout the 1990s. It outlines curriculum innovation, teacher professionalism and school improvement. Whitty evaluates Labour education policy in terms of its fostering of social justice and inclusion. Though challenging, this is an interesting book for those working in education who are seeking a political…

This paper examines the role of developmental psychology in reflective practice, using examples from the Department of Psychology at the University of Turin, Italy, and from a regional institute that deals with continuous teacher training. After introducing the topic and discussing the need for continuous teacher training, the paper presents…