The value of continuous professional development : teachers' perceptions

Abstract

The central argument is that in the presentation of workshops for teachers, presenters should focus on the principles underlying continuous professional development (CPD), since teachers are likely to be more willing to attend workshops if they are worth the time spent and the sacrifices made. In a workshop, on supporting learners with learning difficulties, such principles were therefore applied. A hands-on presentation was used to ensure that the teachers fully understood the use of the suggested teaching methods. The teachers were then asked to complete a questionnaire to determine their perceptions of how they had experienced the workshop. The questionnaire focused on the various CPD principles applied in the workshop, as well as the personal value and expected effect of the workshop on their teaching approach. In general, the teachers reported that regardless of their teaching position, qualifications, gender, or age they had experienced the CPD workshop positively. Keywords : continuous professional development; in-service training; learning difficulties; teaching methods; workshop South African Journal of Education Vol. 27 (1) 2007: pp. 53-67