Teaching as Lifelong Learning: Reflections on Professional Development
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Abstract
Professional development for language teachers has undergone a paradigmatic
shift in the past decades: from top-down, short-term, generic professional
development to bottom-up, sustained, and situated learning focused on teaching
and student learning. The Internet has also made it possible for teachers to interactand learn from and share ideas with colleagues globally. In this presentation, Isummarize the major shifts in language teacher professional development,identify common features of effective professional development, and then focuson three initiatives that share many of these features: lesson study, reflectiveinquiry, and study circles/professional learning communities. I also highlight anumber of other interesting professional development opportunities, includingthose that have been made possible by new technology.
Keywords: professional development, reflective practice, lesson study, learning
communities, study circles