A Hierarchy of Teacher Needs: Professional Development Practice Informing Theory

• In Event: 26.080 - Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: 26.080-23 - Teacher Collaboration Informing Theory

Abstract

This proposal expands the criteria for high-quality professional development (PD) (e.g. reflects student/teacher needs, involves teachers, promotes collaboration, and evaluated for effectiveness) to include an additional factor: basic PD needs that must be met first. Building on the Affective Filter hypothesis (basic human needs must be met before language learning/acquisition can occur), we argue that basic classroom needs (e.g., management) must be met before teachers can effectively apply strategies to higher level needs (e.g., inquiry pedagogy). We present a hierarchy of PD needs, based on interviews and interactions with 13 teachers in two schools: high (long-term growth/development); middle (a discrete period of time and specific classroom); and low (basic, immediate classroom demands). Finally, we address research and PD implications.

Authors

• Kathryn Roberts, Wayne State University

• Kristy Brugar, University of Oklahoma