This manuscript uses a joint autoethnographic methodology to explore the experiences of two language teacher scholars working in the academy outside the global centre in Japan. Emphasis is given to how the methodology used, cycles of reflective writing, reveals commonalities and differences in our respective experiences of working in the Japanese…

In higher education, despite disciplinary expertise and teaching experience, faculty who are asked to implement curriculum into new modalities, particularly ones that rely heavily on technology such as blended learning, may be intimidated and overwhelmed. However, instructors may be more willing to explore new modalities if they feel that support…

Teacher-led inquiry cycles--in which small groups of teachers study and address a promise--hold promise as a method of professional development, but only if they receive enough support. In particular, they need access to outside expertise that can help them meaningfully change instructional practices--often a difficult step for teachers working on…

Productive mathematical conversations are a significant component of developing students' mathematical understanding and ability to effectively communicate their thinking, and the types of questions teachers ask can either hinder or advance that development. Seeking to understand students' thinking while monitoring their initial work on a task…

The objective of the present study was to determine whether teacher collaboration is a mediator of the strategic leadership and teaching quality in schools. This study involved 300 teachers in the high prestige secondary schools in Kelantan, Malaysia, whereby a cross-sectional survey approach using a standard questionnaire was used. The strategic…

Teaming--when done well--can make all the difference. Yet where can teachers and leaders learn how to be effective team members? What common challenges do teams face? And how can a developmental approach help teams thrive? In this article, the authors address the painful challenges many adults encounter when working in teams. They discuss how…

In this article, the authors highlight key elements of their new model for developing educators' capacities, as well as key takeaways about the potential of supporting adult development. Focusing on the five elements -- Theory, Culture, Pillar Practices, Feedback, and Sustainability -- of their developmental model for building capacity can foster…

Personal interviews were conducted with biochemistry faculty during which they were presented with student performances on a content survey. From these interviews, four themes that reflect faculty responses to the surveys emerged: awareness of student understanding, self-reflection on teaching practice, planned collaboration with colleagues, and…

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education and initiatives have grown tremendously over the past decade for children in high school, middle school, and even later elementary school. However, little research and opportunities exist for young children in early childhood (Moomaw, 2012). This qualitative case study research…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present how experiences gained from a theory-informed lesson study -- learning study (LrS) -- in regard to a specific learning goal can be shared and used by other teachers in new contexts. Design/methodology/approach: A group of teachers worked together in a cyclic, iterative process of planning,…

This phenomenological, action research study engaged a sample of teachers from a large middle school in northern South Carolina in developing a protocol and recommendations for the use of peer observations that would provide meaningful professional development for teachers at this school. Data collection methods consisted of interviews, focus…

The literature shows that collaboration is a critical part of a professional learning community and leads to higher student achievement. However, there is limited research on what collaboration actually looks like in a school setting. The purpose of this study was to examine the beliefs and strategies of elementary teachers and elementary…

"If well-trained, competent, caring teachers were present in every classroom, we would witness a staggering increase in student achievement, motivation, and character improvement along with a marked decrease in discipline problems" (Breaux & Wong, 2003, p.22). If school districts do not take the initiative to design and implement…

Professional learning communities have been labeled as effective and capable of producing continuous school improvement. Despite the merits and popularity of professional learning communities, they have been shown to be an elusive concept to implement. The problem this study addressed was the inconsistent quality of professional learning…

Fullan (1998) stated, "Student achievement increases substantially in schools with collaborative work cultures that foster a professional learning community among teachers and others" (p. 8). Vandevoort, Amrein-Beardsley, and Berliner (2004) also found that the quality of the teacher in the classroom is the single most important factor…