Mental rehearsal, which involves the interrelated processes of visual and verbal rehearsal, is advocated as a form of self-directed staff development. The formats utilized by teachers include physical relaxation, positive thinking, mental and physical readiness, verbal cue practice, nonverbal cue practice, content practice, methodology practice,…

Discusses problems associated with professional development offered to, and forced upon, teachers. (MG)

This book is designed to be a stimulant to action and reflection for teachers who would like to make a study of their own teaching. The first part explores how teachers can make a personal appraisal of their teaching. An analytic procedure is used which involves gathering information about four major aspects of the teaching process: (1) the…

The status of professional growth of teachers, some current factors influencing professional stability, and some of the key elements to better inservice programs are examined. (MM)

Professional growth should be regarded as an essential continuous process throughout one's professional career. (Author)

Examines ways in which a teacher appointed as professional tutor can support school staff development activities. Identifies tutor task areas and discusses experiences gained in a pilot project concerned with the role of tutors. Suggests situations in which professional tutors can successfully take on staff development activities. (Author/MK)

Optimizing the use of resources for teacher development is a hardy perennial facing school and district administrators. This paper outlines a three-step process to assess the desirability and feasibility of proposed inservice education projects. The process involves establishing worth based on expressed interest; projecting likelihood of success…

A significant challenge to schools is selecting the staff development approach that aligns most clearly with the assumptions and beliefs of staff members and produces the results desired for students. When beliefs are in alignment, change in behavior accelerates; when beliefs underlying a new staff development program contradict long-held beliefs…

The proposed study will examine whether effective clinical supervision requires supervisors who practice certain strategies and procedures as they dialogue with supervisees in the conference, or whether the mere acquisition by supervisors and/or supervisees of research-verified knowledge about teaching and learning, e.g., the role of academic…

Eleven authors, writing from different vantage points and offering different kinds of expertise, were asked to respond to a teacher-initiated professional development activity. Researchers were chosen who hold very diverse views and conducted very different kinds of studies. Other professionals were also asked to respond. They included a classroom…

A dozen suggestions to improve school district inservice programs are made. (1) Bring a university program to the district; the teachers and administrators who participate will pay for it and earn college credits on their own time. (2) Be sure to provide some time for people to meet by grade level or subject area. (3) Use teachers as presenters…

One method, among others, to improve the school curriculum is having teachers and supervisors visit innovative school-class settings. These innovative schools must exemplify quality teaching-learning situations. (Author)

The National Advisory Council's report ( People for the People's College'') will hopefully stimulate organizations, groups and individuals to formulate, design and implement staff development plans. (RN)

Discusses the historically low status and low image of teachers within the profession and with the public. Presents a view of staff development programs as involving teachers in setting goals, improving conditions of teaching and learning, and deriving personal and professional meaning from their work. (Author/MK)