Professional development

This book presents the concept of professional development, its goals and objectives, and its benefits to employers and employees in general, and to teachers in particular. In addition, it covers the categories of professional development such as work-based learning (WBL), professional activities, formal professional development education/training, self-directed professional training/learning, informal learning for teachers, and professional thinking and skills. The elements of effective teacher professional development and professional development models have also been discussed. In addition, professional growth and development opportunities such as hosting a student teacher, community or service organizations, study group symposia and retreats, peer-coaching, teachers' conventions and school improvement teams are presented. Finally, professional learning activities and opportunities including classroom and school visitation, examining students' work, self-reflection and reflective practice, integrated curriculum planning, lesson study, teacher leadership, internet research, and online professional development programs are covered.