Browsing by Subject "professional development"

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Open Access
The long-term effects of action research as a professional developmental strategy
(2011) Özkan, Öznur
There is considerable emphasis on teachers’ professional development through action research in the literature. However, the long-term effects of action research as a professional developmental strategy has not been specifically investigated in an English as a foreign language (EFL) context. Taking this gap as an impetus, this study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of action research on teachers’ professional development and instructional practices. The study also aimed to explore how action research is conducted by Turkish EFL instructors and the most effective ways of implementing it. The study was carried out with the participation of eight EFL instructors working at various departments of universities in Turkey. These universities were Bilkent University, Middle East Technical University, Hacettepe University, Anatolian University, and Near East University. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and analyzed qualitatively Analysis of data revealed that action research engagement may contribute to teachers’ classroom practice and professional development in the long run and in many ways. The findings also revealed that although the teachers followed a systematic process while conducting action research, they did not always share the findings of their studies, which is considered one of the vital steps of action research processes. Another finding was that individual teacher research is more commonly implemented than other types of action research, collaborative or schoolwide action research. In addition, it was also seen that having the guidance and support of a mentor, colleagues, and administration in a supportive context is considered crucial for the effective implementation of action research. Finally, the findings of the study revealed that the teachers who had advanced degrees appeared to have more positive attitudes towards action research than the teachers who had only BA degrees. In the light of these findings, it can be said that school administrators and teacher training units should seek opportunities to promote the implementation of action research in schools, which would result in better outcomes in teaching practices and student learning
Open Access
Personal factors affecting experienced English teachers' decisions whether or not to engage in professional development activities
(2011) İyidoğan, Figen
The purpose of this study was to investigate personal factors affecting experienced English teachers’ decision to engage or not to engage in Professional Development (PD) activities. The participants were six experienced English teachers working at different state primary and secondary schools in two big cities in Turkey during the spring term of the 2010-2011 academic year. Fifty-two teachers were asked to fill in a questionnaire which included some demographic questions. According to the data gathered from the questionnaires, six experienced teachers were selected based on their years of experience and social and educational backgrounds. Every effort was made to secure variety in the final sample. The six teachers were interviewed three times at different time intervals. The aim of the interviews was to get detailed information about their perceptions and attitudes towards PD activities, as well as their reasons for engaging or not engaging in such activities. The analysis of the data revealed that the experienced English teachers’ participation in PD is negatively affected by the effect of frequent changes in the educational system, the teaching environment and the lack of feeling of well-being. Yet, in spite of these negative factors, some teachers are willing to take part in PD activities because of being intrinsically motivated and committed to their profession. The findings of the study might benefit the administrations as they provide an opportunity to better understand the reasons for teachers’ unwillingness to participate in PD activities. This will hopefully lead to some actions that will help overcome this negative attitude.