In the Cambridge Papers in ELT research paper due to be published later this month, Effective professional development: Principles and best practice, we’ve set out some basic principles that provide the foundation for successful CPD programmes. These principles form the handy acronym: INSPIRE. Over the next seven weeks, we’ll be taking you through each of the INSPIRE letters in turn. We’ll show you how each of the areas can lead to more successful professional development in practice, and how they underpin our approach to teacher learning and development.
But what’s so inspiring about INSPIRE?
I – Impactful
The professional development programme doesn’t just stop at enhancing teacher knowledge and behaviour. It also has a real impact on their students’ learning.
N – Needs-based
If the programme doesn’t meet teachers’ genuine professional development needs, it ultimately won’t work. It has to be needs-based.
S – Sustained
A sustained programme is one which takes a long-term approach, rather than one-off activity. Sustained development leads to more lasting change.
P – Peer-collaborative
Building in feedback from colleagues is crucial to any effective professional development programme. Teachers should feel supported by their peers and have opportunities to collaborate – learning from one another.
I – In-practice
Theory is one thing, but putting ideas into practice is where teachers will see the real benefit – in improved classroom teaching, and in improved student performance.
R – Reflective
For a teaching professional, reflecting on what they did right and looking at what they can still improve on, is an important first step in overcoming routine teaching behaviours.
E – Evaluated
Professional development should be part of the measurement and evaluation of teachers’ objectives. This allows the programme to be adjusted as necessary, and enables forward planning for further professional development needs.
Next week we look more closely at the Impactful principle, and discover the implications and recommendations for applying this principle in practice.