Early career academics’ professional learning in a PBL-focused pedagogical development program

This chapter reviews Australasian research on the education and development of practising teachers of mathematics. We consider developments in theoretical understandings of professional learning (PL) including conceptualisations of teacher learning and capabilities. Reports of PL programs that have been sites of research are reviewed according to their content foci and the approaches to PL that were adopted. The latter are considered in light of current characterisations of PL. Consideration of ways in which PL programs have been evaluated highlights the difficulties inherent in going beyond teacher self-reports and in linking specific PL programs to outcomes in relation to students’ learning as well as system and policy impacts. In conclusion we present avenues for further research. These include addressing issues of scale and sustainability, assessing the affordances of online delivery of PL, enhancing collaboration between mathematics educators and mathematicians, and better understanding the mechanisms and conditions that contribute to effective PL.

This thesis documents the design, implementation and evaluation of a professional learning programme to support teachers in developing their ability to teach mathematics through problem solving. Teaching mathematics through problem solving is recognised as an effective way to teach mathematics. However, there are a number of different approaches with different descriptors such as problem posing and problem-based learning. In this study, teaching mathematics through problem solving is an approach where learners explore a problem or a task and their responses to the task are ‘orchestrated’ by the teacher to introduce and develop the mathematics to be learned. The development of this teaching approach involves the principles of task design and planning the sequencing of anticipated responses to be orchestrated. The professional development programme was informed by research on task design and the features of effective professional learning for teachers. The programme was built around the professional learning programme Lesson Study and was modified with a ‘pause’ in the research lesson and the use of remote visualisers to observe and analyse the work of the pupils. This latter feature was an adaption of the original programme design to respond to conditions arising in schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. Also a number of additional modifications were made to accommodate the ambitions of the programme. A qualitative approach was adopted using the methodology of design research and comprising two research cycles. The cohort in the first cycle were secondary school teachers and in the second cycle they were primary school teachers, all working in England. The aim of the study was to understand the effect of the programme on the participants’ knowledge, skills and confidence in teaching mathematics through problem solving. Existing frameworks in the literature on the known characteristics of effective professional learning were synthesised to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme. The main outcomes from this research confirm that the designed features of the PD programme were effective in supporting teachers in developing their ability to teach mathematics through problem solving. The use of task design principles in conjunction with the development of the teaching technique of orchestration resulted in gains in teacher confidence and subject and pedagogical knowledge. The pause in the research lesson and the use of visualisers to observe and analyse the pupils’ work provided the participants with a focused learning opportunity to develop the teaching approach. The evaluation of the programme using the designed analytical framework for CPD identified [a range of] known characteristics of effective CPD in the programme as designed and implemented. Three main implications emerged from the study, the first of which concerns the future development of teaching mathematics through problem solving. It was apparent that there were contextual barriers to the approach becoming an established part of teachers’ practice. To address these, the design of mathematics teaching resources would need to reflect the ambition to teach mathematics through problem solving. This is an issue for curriculum designers. There would also need to be recognition of the problem-solving skills that pupils require to access the problems, which would need to be taught either as part of teaching through problem solving or as a separate approach known as teaching for problem solving. The second implication identifies the challenges associated with introducing this type of programme into the current landscape of professional learning for teachers of mathematics in England, including the need for greater coherence between the professional learning of teachers of mathematics and their own workplace contexts. Finally, the third implication relates to the use of Lesson Study. This study described how the use of design research can develop Lesson Study variants that can make a positive contribution to professional learning environments for teachers without compromising the key principles of Lesson Study.

High-quality early childhood education requires ongoing professional learning for educators, yet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators face barriers to accessing culturally responsive professional development. This study evaluated the Hanen Center Learning Language and Loving It™ (LLLI) professional learning program in an Aboriginal community-led kindergarten in a regional Australian city. Using a mixed-methods single case study design with participatory evaluation methodology, we examined educator-child interactions before, immediately after, and eight months following program completion. Participants included Aboriginal and non-Indigenous educators ( n = 7), a speech pathologist facilitator, and university researcher working collaboratively as co-researchers. The LLLI program consisted of eight group training sessions and individual video coaching delivered over six months. Data collection included focus groups, individual interviews, and validated observational measures: the Classroom Assessment Scoring System Pre-K (CLASS) and Teacher Interactions and Language Rating Scale (TILR). Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: an affirming and transformative professional learning experience, fostering a responsive professional learning environment, and building connections and changing expectations. Quantitative results showed sustained improvements in educator-child interactions, with large effect sizes maintained at eight-month follow-up, particularly in Instructional Support (Cohen’s D = 1.37) and Emotional Support domains (Cohen’s D = 1.81). Participants identified that program effectiveness was influenced by trust, familiar learning spaces, and existing relationships between facilitators and participants. These findings demonstrate that professional learning programs can be delivered with fidelity while maintaining the flexibility required for culturally responsive implementation. The study provides insights into supporting Aboriginal educators through place-based, relationship-centered professional development approaches.

This research examined the conditions under which codesigned approaches to educator professional learning in multilingual, birth to five settings were accessible and supportive of children’s social and emotional development across diverse types of Australian early childhood services. The research sites, in the suburbs of a capital city, comprised a long day childcare center, two short term informal community creches for birth to 5-year-old children of migrants and refugees attending English classes, and a family hub short term informal community creche for children of Afghan refugees. Professional learning mentors visited the participating sites eight times for 2 h every 2 weeks for 16 Weeks in 2021, demonstrating resources and strategies to assist young children to identify their own and others’ emotions and engage with social settings. Over 20 weeks, 97 participants provided data, commencing before and extending after the professional learning program. Participants included professional learning mentors, staff and volunteers, parents, and children via observation. Using Reggio Emilia principles, the research identified that professional learning, flexibly delivered over time, enabled educators and volunteers to build their social and emotional development knowledge, and to try resources and strategies with children in their care. Recruiting educators who shared children’s home or community languages, in addition to professional learning, supported multilingual children to engage with emotional literacy resources, while still developing spoken English. The research affirmed that educators, volunteers, parents, and children benefitted from a sustained focus on children’s social and emotional development in the early childhood education and care settings.

Australian and international research has identified that many generalist teachers have limited confidence and experience in teaching the Arts in the early years of schooling and education. There is also a significant gap in the provision of quality professional learning programs for teachers. Research has identified that appropriate training and professional learning programs need to provide teachers with practical experiences, informed by sound pedagogical theory and some form of ongoing support and potential for collaboration and shared learning. This article reports on the development of a professional learning programme which sought to support arts-focussed professional development of early years teachers. The project, known as The Open Storybox, lead to the development of a model which could be called a ‘transmedia’ learning model, as it utilises different media, and flows of content across digital platforms and technologies as well as the embodied and material.

BackgroundProfessional self-concept is one of the important outcomes of nursing professionalism. There is a lack of adequately planned curriculum may limit nursing students’ practical knowledge, skills and professional self-concept in providing comprehensive geriatric-adult care and promoting nursing professionalism. Professional portfolio learning strategy has allowed nursing students to continue professional development and enhance nursing professionalism in professional clinical practice. However, there is little empirical evidence in nursing education to support the use of professional portfolios in blended learning modality among internship nursing students. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of the blended professional portfolio learning on professional self-concept among undergraduate nursing students during Geriatric-Adult internship.MethodsA quasi-experimental study two-group pre-test post-test design. A total of 153 eligible senior undergraduate students completed the study (76 in the intervention group and 77 in the control group). They were recruited from two Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN) cohorts from nursing schools at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), in Iran, in January 2020. Randomization was undertaken at the level of school via a simple lottery method. The intervention group received the professional portfolio learning program as a holistic blended learning modality, though the control group received conventional learning during professional clinical practice. A demographic questionnaire and the Nurse Professional Self-concept questionnaire were used for data collection.ResultsThe findings imply the effectiveness of the blended PPL program. Results of Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis was indicated significantly improved professional self-concept development and its dimensions (self-esteem, caring, staff relation, communication, knowledge, leadership) with high effect size. The results of the between-group comparison for professional self-concept and its dimensions at different time points (pre, post and follow up test) showed a significant difference between groups at post-test and follow up test (p < 0.05),while at pre-test there was no important dissimilarity between two groups (p > 0.05).The results of within-group comparison for both control and intervention showed that there were significant differences in professional self-concept and for all its dimensions across the time from pre-test to post-test and follow-up (p < 0.05), and also from post-test to follow-up it was significant (p < 0.05) for both groups.ConclusionThis professional portfolio learning program demonstrates as an innovative and holistic blended teaching-learning approach to improve professional self-concept during professional clinical practice among undergraduate nursing students. It appears that the use of a blended designed of professional portfolio can promote a link between theory and the advancement of geriatric adult nursing internship practice. The data obtained from the present study can be useful for nursing education to evaluate and redesign a curriculum for development of nursing professionalism as a quality improvement process and groundwork to develop new models of teaching-learning and assessment.

Children’s language learning is shaped through the social contexts of children’s earliest experiences at home and in early childhood education settings with responsive caregivers. Facilitating high-quality interactions between early childhood educators and children affords opportunities to foster language rich exchanges and promote strong language skills. The present study investigated the impact of a language-specific professional learning program on the quality of educator-child interactions and the associated short-term effects on vocabulary knowledge in young children. Educator practice was compared across 38 early childhood education and care services (19 participated in professional learning and 19 were a comparison group). After the professional learning program, significant differences were observed in the instructional quality in services where educators had participated in the Learning Language and Loving It™ program compared to those services who had not. More than one educator in a room participating in the professional learning was associated with higher instructional quality, educator qualifications were not associated with higher quality. We conclude that discipline-specific knowledge and individual coaching of teaching strategies enabled an increase in the quality of educator’s interactions with young children. No differences were detected in children’s vocabulary knowledge between the professional learning and comparison groups following the LLLI program. This finding is discussed with respect to minimum levels of instructional support required to impact children’s development. Quality improvement programs need to engage with early childhood education services regularly and over sustained periods to ensure the quality of educator interactions reaches levels that impact on children’s outcomes.

This study explores teachers’ professional learning (TPL) in the context of a school-wide implementation of Project Based Learning (PBL). Using phenomenology, we studied the narratives of two teachers engaged in the implementation. The questions driving this research are: How do teachers conceptualize their learning as professionals involved in a curricular innovation (in this case, PBL)?; What shifts in practice and identity occur?; What concepts are central to teachers’ professional learning?; and, What does this reveal about a stance of inquiry in professional learning? The analysis clarifies the nature of professional learning, which we articulate as a set of proposed concepts of TPL. Further connections are made between these findings about TPL and the theory of inquiry-as-stance.

Global issues that are sustainable in the industrial era 4.0, which requires universities to take part in the current Process, Input, Output and Outcome, one that is suitable for sustaining this project-based continuous learning is the educational approach which focuses on creative thinking, problem solving, and interaction between students and peers to create and use knowledge in the current digital era. This study aims to determine the effect of Project Based Learning (PjBL) continuous learning innovations on English learning outcomes of students of the faculty of cultural sciences English Education study programs at Brawijaya University Malang. This research method uses experimental design with the Times-Series Design with Control Group. Data analysis of this study used the one way ANOVA test. The results showed that the treatment of the TOEFL test, namely the pre-test and post-test in the control class and the experimental class in the Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model there were differences. The average pre-test toefl score in the experimental class was 344.71 with a range of values ranging from 300-397 and a standard deviation of 29.386. The average post-test toefl score in the experimental class, which is 360.83 with a range of values ranging from 303-400 and a standard deviation of 24.146. Project Based Learning (PjBL) based learning can improve student learning outcomes, the p-value on PjBL is 0.026.

This journal studies Project Based Learning (PjBL) as one of the innovative learning strategies that use projects or activities as a means of learning to improve students' learning motivation, learning outcomes, knowledge, and skills. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach with literature studies, namely by collecting and analyzing data from various scientific journals, articles, and relevant literature that discuss PjBL, active learning strategies, student learning motivation, and achievement of learning outcomes at various levels of education, especially at the elementary school level. The results of the study show that the implementation of PjBL has proven to be effective in increasing students' learning motivation because this approach emphasizes active involvement, collaboration, a sense of responsibility, and the development of students' creativity during the learning process. More than that, this strategy allows students to learn through hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving, thus making the learning process more contextual, fun, and meaningful. In addition to increasing motivation, PjBL also contributes significantly to improving learning outcomes, because students understand the material more easily when it is associated with daily life. These findings affirm the importance of implementing project-based learning strategies as an alternative learning model relevant to the needs of the 21st century, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity (4C) skills. Therefore, this study recommends that teachers and educators integrate the PjBL approach systematically and structurally in learning planning and in the curriculum to improve the quality of education, student involvement, and learning outcomes in a comprehensive, effective, and sustainable manner.

In line with teaching standards requiring teachers to evidence research capacities, this paper explores responses to a professional learning programme designed in partnership by an educational authority and a university. Intended to enable practising teachers to develop research capacities and complete postgraduate qualifications, the professional learning programme featured collaboration, distributed leadership and participatory action research. Focusing on the experiences and responses of teachers participating in the collaborative project, data collected through teacher interviews, focus groups, researcher observations and teacher-and-student documentation were analysed. Findings indicate that a collaborative practice-based approach to professional learning and postgraduate studies developed teacher appetite for, appreciation of and emerging capacities in both empirical and conceptual research including defining a research question; reviewing literature; conducting an action research project; engaging with evidence; criticality; and reporting on findings. Enabling conditions of and limitations to the development of research-based capacities are explored.

Project-based learning is suggested for independent and collaborative learning that could positively impact students’ learning. This study aimed to identify the role of project-based language learning in developing life skills of students through studying a case of a language class that included 80 students in two grade 6 classes in a private school. The study attempted to answer the following question: What is the role of project-based learning in developing students’ life skills in an Arabic language class? To answer this question, we adopted a theoretical framework that included the following categories of life skills: personal and collaborative skills, self-orientation skills, and collective responsibility. The following three data collecting tools were used during the study: observation, semi-structured interviews, and the teacher and students’ documents. Data collection lasted for two months from late September 2019 to December 2019. Data analysis followed the thematic analyses framework, by categorizing data into themes. The research results indicated that project-based learning helps to improve language students’ personal and cooperative skills through developing their communication skills between themselves or with their teacher. In addition, project-based learning developed language students’ mutual respect, their confidence, and their self-regulation of learning the Arabic language.

This paper presents an action learning project demonstrating how a structured professional learning (PL) programme transformed the capabilities of sessional academic staff, enabling them to transition into unit coordinator (UC) roles. By equipping these staff with the leadership skills necessary to manage digital learning environments effectively, the study explicates a model that enhances student engagement and institutional teaching quality. The aim was to develop a consistent approach to the design and delivery of the PL programme that would position sessional teaching staff to move into UC roles. The work of these UCs is critical in ensuring quality experiences for students who learn in primarily digital-based learning environments. Approaches to professional development that focus on fostering transformational change (Lamm et al., 2021) were taken rather than the transactional information-giving that characterises some PL. Key to the approach was the application of an action learning cycle and scaffolding frameworks and tools. The underpinning critical reflection elicited deep participant input and perspectives that created a fruitful social constructivist learning environment (Chuang, 2021). The paper demonstrates how transformational learning was achieved for the participant group and focuses on explaining their learning journey through the systematic application of Brookfield’s reflective lenses (2017) as well as other key scaffolds. This report provides guidance for a capacity-building model that will inform those in higher educational leadership seeking to develop staff into first-level leadership roles.

This research aims to measure EFL learners' perceived project-based learning and examine whether there is a correlation between project-based learning and EFL learners' collaborative skills. This research used a correlational study using Spearman Product Moment based on non-parametric data. The data were gathered using a closed-ended questionnaire. The sample consisted of 100 (17 male and 83 female) Indonesian University EFL learners recruited using convenience sampling. The findings indicated that more than 70% of learners' perceptions of project-based learning positively impact their collaborative skills. The benefits of project-based learning include enhancing learners' motivation, teamwork, communication, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The next finding is a strong correlation between project-based learning, which significantly generated Sig. (p-value) = 0.000 &lt; α = 0.05. Some previous studies reported that project-based learning positively correlates with collaborative skills.

Although Pancasila instruction in elementary schools has been widely examined, studies that specifically address the integration of Project Based Learning (PjBL) with school rules as a contextual project remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing the “Balon Aturan Sekolahku” project based on Project Based Learning (PjBL) in improving students’ learning outcomes in Pancasila content. A quantitative approach with a one-group pretest–posttest experimental design was employed, involving 25 third-grade students selected through total sampling. Data were collected using learning achievement tests and teacher interviews, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and effect size calculations (Cohen’s d). The results showed a significant increase in students’ learning outcomes, with the mean score rising from 66.04 (pretest) to 78.80 (posttest) and an average N-Gain of 0.352 (medium category). These findings contribute to the development of social constructivist theory and broaden understanding of the application of contextual Project Based Learning (PjBL) in Pendidikan Pancasila instruction. The study concludes that contextual projects such as the Balon Aturan Sekolah initiative play an important role in enhancing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and Pancasila values, and recommends that teachers adopt similar project-based strategies to strengthen student engagement and character formation. The implications of this research include theoretical contributions to the literature on Project Based Learning (PjBL) in primary education and practical recommendations for schools to integrate contextual projects into the Kurikulum Merdeka, while also opening avenues for further research on the longitudinal implementation of Project Based Learning (PjBL) and its effectiveness across diverse school contexts.