A Q Methodological Study: Science and Math Teachers' Views of the Characteristics of Effective Professional Development

• In Event: Understanding, Supporting, and Improving STEM Teachers' Work

Abstract

Education researchers have sought to define effective professional development (PD) for teachers. This research has revealed numerous considered characteristics of effective PD. Yet, lacking from the literature is teachers’ perceived views of these characteristics. Teachers can help determine which aspects should be considered in the design of high-quality PD in the future. For this study, Q methodology was utilized to examine the subjective views of teachers. Q sorts were correlated and factor analyzed (PCA with varimax rotation) to extract four significant factors on which all 17 participants loaded significantly. These factors were examined through the lens of andragogy (adult learning) to determine the connections that exist between the characteristics of effective PD and the core adult learning principles.

Authors

• Dominick Fantacone, SUNY - College at Cortland

• Qiu Wang, Syracuse University