Improving Professional Learning Through In-house Inquiry

by Middlewood, David; Abbott, Ian

• ISBN13: 9781472570833
• ISBN10: 1472570839
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2015-11-19
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic

Summary

Improving Professional Learning through In-House Inquiry shows how to identify the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) needs of an individual or team and then to meet those needs through carrying out specific inquiry within the organisation.

Middlewood and Abbott demonstrate how the most effective professional learning occurs when the the needs of an organisation are identified at all levels and provide clear support for following this approach. The authors also show that effective student involvement is key because it clearly links CPD with the ultimate aim: to meet students' learning needs. Examples of how this has been achieved successfully in schools and colleges are drawn on throughout, showcasing a variety of settings in various countries. Four extended case studies from different types of educational institutions are provided to illustrate learning journeys.

Author Biography

David Middlewood is Research Fellow at the Centre for Educational Studies, University of Warwick, UK. He has published 17 books spanning people leadership and management (with Tony Bush), practitioner research and creating a learning school.

Ian Abbott is Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Educational Studies at the University of Warwick, UK. He has worked extensively with schools and colleges and has wide experience of teacher education and CPD.

Table of Contents

Preface
Part I: The Theory
1. The Essentials of Effective Professional Learning and CPD
2. The Research-Based Organisation and the Learner's Voice
3. Involving Learners in Professional Learning
4. Improving Professional Learning at Whole School Level
5. Improving Professional Learning at Team/Subject/Departmental Level
6. Improving Professional Learning at Classroom Level
Part II: The Theory in Practice
7. The Secondary School as Research Community, Richard Parker (University of Northampton, UK)
8. The Primary School with CPD at its Heart, Susan Robinson (University of Warwick, UK, and National College, UK)
9. The Post-Compulsory College and Investigating for Teaching and Learning, Derek Warren and Cathy Francis-Wright (North Warwickshire & Hinckley College, UK)
10. The Abu Dhabi Schools and Researching Staff Needs in a Centralised System, Philip Whitehead (University of Warwick, UK)
11. Reflections and Conclusions
Bibliography
Index