Articles
| Open Access | COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HIGH-QUALITY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY
Abstract
Professional development is an essential component of teacher education and ongoing learning. However, not all professional development programs are equally effective. This study aims to compare different approaches to high-quality professional development in order to identify the most effective strategies for supporting teacher growth and student learning. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including surveys, interviews, and observations, to gather data from a sample of educators from different schools and districts. The study found that coaching and mentoring programs were the most effective types of professional development, followed by workshops and online courses. The most effective programs shared common characteristics, such as being job-embedded, focused on teacher practice and student learning, and supported by school leadership. The study has several implications for educators and policymakers, including prioritizing coaching and mentoring programs and investing in high-quality professional development initiatives.
Keywords
professional development, coaching, mentoring
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