How Teachers Learn

Teacher Learning: A Lifelong Journey

• Teaching is a combination of art and science, not an innate talent. Experienced educators also started as novices, learning through trial and error.

The Apprenticeship of Observation

• Exposure to classroom dynamics (observation) shapes initial teaching approaches. Student experiences become ingrained, often leading to unconscious use of past teachers' styles.
• Simply observing teachers doesn't reveal the reasoning behind their practices.
• New teachers often instinctively revert to familiar, potentially outdated methods.

Teacher Training and Learning Environments

• Teacher learning extends beyond training sessions. It occurs through experience, collaboration, professional reading, and diverse learning sources.
• Teacher development demands understanding and integrating varied learning experiences.
• Trainers help trainees critically analyze their own preconceived notions about teaching.

Teacher Beliefs and Classroom Actions

• Teacher beliefs significantly influence classroom interactions and successes.
• Two teachers with similar lesson plans can achieve contrasting outcomes based on their individual beliefs.
• Trainers should help teachers become aware of and assess the impact of their beliefs.

Conditions for Effective Teacher Growth

• Teacher growth is facilitated by factors mirroring essential elements in effective student learning:
• Time for dedicated training and practice, providing opportunities for skill refinement.
• Clear objectives, allowing teachers ownership of their development.
• Access to resources, guidance, and support from experts.
• Supportive learning environments promoting experimentation and reflection.

Stages of Teacher Development

• Teacher learning involves a progression, illustrated by 'Knowing about,' 'Knowing how,' and 'Knowing to':
• 'Knowing about' focuses on theoretical knowledge of teaching methodologies, student psychology, and related subjects.
• 'Knowing how' emphasizes practical application in the classroom, like managing a classroom, delivering instructions, and adapting lessons.
• 'Knowing to' demonstrates expertise in real-time decision-making, adjusting lessons, and responding to student needs, including recognizing and acting on cues from student behavior.

The Importance of Reflection and Continuous Learning

• Teacher development is enhanced through reflection and self-evaluation on teaching methods. Understanding successes and failures leads to improvement and growth.
• Expert teachers continuously seek improvement, adapting practices; not mere repetition.
• Professional growth is a continuous process for all teachers; training is just the start of a lifelong journey.
• Key is a mindset of continuous learning and self-reflection, recognizing mastery is a dynamic process.