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      Professional development tools

      These are methods and techniques you can use to help you to achieve your goals. The tools you select will depend on your own preferred way of learning as well as the developmental area you want to explore. For more information on particular tools, follow the links.

       

      Tools

      What is it?

      Classroom action research

      A discovery process where teachers explore aspects of classroom teaching or learning, solve problems or ask questions about everyday work. It can be done alone or with a colleague or group of colleagues. The aim is to improve or enhance your teaching and/or your students’ learning.

      1 Gather information

      2 Discuss, analyze, reflect

      3 Implement changes

      Learning diary

      A place where you write down, reflect on and review what happens during your classroom practice. It can help you to explore your experiences, identify problems/issues, set goals and plan.

      Peer observation

      Watch colleagues teach. The focus can be on a selected aspect of teaching or on a particular type of lesson, a problem, an approach etc. Invite a colleague to your class and ask them to observe and give feedback on an area you are interested in developing or experimenting with.

      Team teaching

      Arrange to teach classes with a colleague so that you can reflect on and explore issues together and decide what changes to implement.

      Learner feedback

      Engage learners - discuss teaching and learning with them. Design questionnaires asking for feedback on your lessons. Ask for their suggestions on what could be included/improved/changed.

      Reading and research

      TEFL publications, periodicals, websites. See resources.

      Buddy

      Participate in co-operative development. Share experiences, problems, development with a colleague.

      Development plan

      A document which sets out your goals, how you will achieve them, how you will review them, and how much time it will take.

      Mentor

      Seek advice and guidance from a more experienced colleague. Invite them to observe your lessons and give you feedback.

      Become a mentor yourself and keep a diary reflecting on your experiences.

      Case study

      Do some research with one of your learners, or a group of your learners. Investigate their learning experiences to find out how to help them to learn better.