Introduction: In the rapidly growing and evolving healthcare systems, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has become essential for nurses to update their knowledge and skills, achieve and maintain their competencies, and elevate their clinical functioning with the aim of providing a high standard quality of healthcare to the public as the ultimate goal. Moreover, CPD has been mandated as a licensure renewal requirement for nurses in the UAE. However, despite its importance, there is a lack of empirical studies about the effectiveness of CPD programmes in the UAE. Aim: This study explores and investigates the perspective of registered nurses (RNs), regarding the effectiveness of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the UAE in order to develop CPD strategies. Research design: Advanced Multiphase Mixed Method. Methods: The study constitutes three phases: • Phase one is qualitative; data was collected through four exploratory focus group interviews with RNs from all geographical areas in Abu Dhabi. They were selected through expert purposive sampling strategy from the same selected facilities as per the sampling of phase two. Data was analysed by “Thematic Analysis Style” using QSR NVivo software. • Phase two is quantitative descriptive; a modified questionnaire Q-PDN (Questionnaire-Professional Development for Nurses) was used to collect data from RNs. The sample was selected from a population of 18,910 RNs through probability stratified sampling, utilising the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling due to the unequal size of the units. The sample size was 400 with a 655 response rate. Data was analysed by using the SPSS software yielding descriptive and inferential statistics. • Phase three is qualitative Appreciative Inquiry where meeting(s) were conducted with nursing “key players” in the Abu Dhabi, adopting the 5-D Cycle. The nursing ‘key players” represent the role of the nursing leaders in Abu Dhabi. Data was analysed using simultaneous targeted participatory thematic analysis. Results and conclusion: The CPD strategic recommendations were developed based on the RNs’ needs and perceptions and aligned with the benchmarked international CPD practices. The main consideration was the evidence of an existing relationship between the perceived influencing factors and the RNs’ participation in CPD. The study has numerous implications towards developing CPD strategies and policies, contribution to body of knowledge, and benefiting the nurses. Keywords: Continuing Professional Development, Strategy Development, Nursing / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Nursing Science / PhD (Nursing) / Unrestricted

The shortage of scientists in South Africa today can be attributed to poor teacher development especially in Natural Sciences. Educator interpretation and integration of assessment standards when conducting scientific investigations in Natural Sciences in the Intermediate Phase, is what this study sought to explore. The National Curriculum Statement (NCS) policy outlines the seven roles to be fulfilled by educators in the Norms and Standards for educators. However, this investigation focused mainly on the two roles for educators: · Interpreters and designers of learning programmes and materials (LO 1: Scientific Investigations) · Scholars, researchers and lifelong learners (DoE, 2002:3) The five schools sampled are from Mankweng area, situated in the Capricorn district in Limpopo province of South Africa. The data was qualitatively collected using the interviews, observations and document analysis as strategies. Before the investigation starts, all participants were told that the investigation was on how they (educators) design (plan), present and assess learners when conducting Learning Outcome 1: Scientific Investigations and how they integrate the assessment standards. The observation and interview schedules were clarified during the meeting. The study revealed that most educators do not know different types of scientific investigations, their lessons designed showed little understanding of LO 1: Scientific Investigations and the integration of assessment standards which are: 1. Planning investigation 2. Conducting scientific investigation and collecting data. 3. Evaluating data and communicate findings. Data analysed revealed that most educators have little understanding and follow a direct teaching style, and thus Construct Scientific Knowledge (LO 2). Only one educator of the 13 observed and interviewed was able to integrate assessment standards 1 and 2. There is a relationship between the level of qualification and better understanding of NCS implementation because the educator above is a scholar, researcher and lifelong learner. I recommend that educators teaching Natural Sciences be work shopped by knowledgeable curriculum advisors (teacher development) on how to teach Scientific Investigations LO 1. And in addition, support should be given to educators on implementing new curricula such as NCS and CAPS ensuring that teacher development is priority. Finally, to ensure that LO 1 can be effectively taught in schools, science kits should be made available to all schools whereas the importance of laboratories cannot be overemphasised. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / lk2014 / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / MEd / unrestricted

K-12 online learning continues to grow, and with it, the need for well-trained online teachers. This multiple-article dissertation explores K-12 online teaching professional development. A literature review describes research trends regarding unique strategies and competencies related to online teaching. It explores strategies such as acting as a facilitator, developing course knowledge, encouraging student engagement, interacting regularly with students, giving feedback, and developing time management skills. The literature review suggests that there is a lack of specific recommendations about what content should be covered and why professional development is beneficial for both teachers and students. Programs that incorporate online teaching professional development specific to their model may have more satisfied and motivated students and teachers. The second article provides insight into the design process for a K-12 online teaching professional development course that focuses on effectively communicating with online students. The course is designed as a professional development opportunity to enhance teachers' knowledge of online pedagogy and technology skills unique to communicating in the online environment. The course contains hands-on experiences and activities, allowing teachers the opportunity to learn in the role of teacher and student. The professional development was designed using Desimone's five core features commonly used for traditional classroom teacher professional development. This article describes the professional development goals, course structure, evaluation process, and preliminary findings. By sharing the development and design of this professional development course the hope is that other K-12 online designers and administrators will have a framework on which to build. The final article presents the implementation and evaluation results of the professional development course mentioned in article two. This case study shares the learning perspective of 80 teachers that completed the professional development course through pre and post assessments and a course evaluation. Researchers conducted interviews with 11 participants to further explore how the course impacted their pedagogical and technical knowledge in relation to effectively communicating with their online students. Overall, participants reported a satisfactory experience and personal growth in the topics provided. More research is needed on the effects of professional development for online teachers and if it can help lead to student success.

Counselor educators prepare master's-level counselors-in-training on addiction topics. This content analysis examined the frequency and types of addiction topics for counselor educator continuing education. The results revealed limited attention to addiction topics within professional literature and conference presentations.

The purpose of this study was to examine the events, processes, perceptions and changes that occurred as an elementary school faculty and a university faculty collaborated in a partnership formed by the creation of a Professional Development Academy (PDA). The study described how an elementary school faculty and a university faculty collaborated as they implemented a PDA. Research questions were: (1) What contributing factors led to the school and university faculties' collaboration during the first three years of the pilot PDA, 1993-1996? (2) How did the school and university faculties collaborate for change during the first three years of the pilot PDA? (3) As a result of collaboration between the school and university faculties during the first three years of the pilot PDA, what changes occurred at the school and university? A descriptive case study approach was used to explore behaviors within these groups during the three pilot years of the PDA. The study included interviews, and a review of documents and artifacts. Four classroom teachers were randomly selected from the elementary school, four professors were selected from the university and two administrators: one from the school and one from the university, were interviewed. Responses from the interviewees were initially categorized into Kagan's (1991) six categories of collaboration and into three sections: before the PDA began, during the three years of the PDA, and reflections at the end of the three pilot years of the PDA. Kagan's categories for collaboration are: formation, conceptualization, development, implementation, evaluation, and termination/reformation stages. Documentation from the participants and PDA files were analyzed. Six factors were found to contribute to collaboration between faculties: a wish to know the other colleagues personally; maintenance of "we're in this together" attitude; willingness to accept additional responsibilities; investment in making the PDA work; discovery of opportunities for leadership and input; and synergy between coordinators and administrators. There was evidence that collaboration occurred because of a welcoming and supportive climate; open communication; active involvement by both faculties; validation of teachers and professors; and support for goals and recommendations. / Ed. D.

Thesis (M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Leaners’ performance in schools is attributed to several factors that include Teacher Profession Development (TPD) programmes provided by teachers in various schools. Teachers expressed that they do not derive much satisfaction from them.Consequently, teachers continue to use their old, ineffective methods of teaching. Informally, teachers have referred to challenges around resources, time, and expertise of trainers and modes of implementation as contributing to their dissatisfaction in the programmes. This study sought to investigate the perceptions of teachers on the TPD programmes carried out in schools by the TPD facilitators. The study was conducted using the qualitative research approach which allowed for an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under review. Interpretive research paradigm was adopted as well as the case study research design. Six schools were purposefully selected in the district understudy; a teacher was picked to represent each school chosen. Data was collected through individual interviews. In the same vein, data collected in the interviews was deemed sufficient and rich by the researcher to conclude the project. Data was analysed and presented in themes and categories which enabled the researcher to cluster similar responses from the participants. The main findings of this study revealed that: teachers have different perceptions on the importance of TPD programmes, they also indicated that strategies such as more training time, use of technological devices during TPD training and teachers involvement in curriculum development are important in enhancing TPD programmes. The study recommended that principals should organise training seminars and workshops on the application of discipline strategies/methods, management strategies and intervention programmes. Keywords: Teachers, professional development, training and programmes

An investment in nursing education and staff development should consider the reasons for participating in continuing education and professional development in order to improve planning for long term continual professional development (Joyce&Cowman, 2007:626). The aim of this study was to investigate the working environment of occupational health nurses as a determinant for professional development. A quantitative approach was used for this research study. A non-experimental, descriptive survey was conducted to collect data for this study because it reflects accurate characteristics of the various environments of occupational health. Data was collected using a questionnaire which was distributed to four SASOHN (South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners) regions (Eastern Cape, Vaal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga) as the principal method of data collection. In terms of the educational needs identified it was evident in the study that the occupational health nurse would attend professional development programmes more often if their learning needs are identified prior to the programme. The occupational health nurse preferred one day workshops as the preferred method of continual professional development. The psychosocial needs of the occupational health nurses highlighted that there was little support in the office while attending professional development programmes and that assistance with administrative tasks at work were lacking. The findings of this study revealed various professional development barriers such as financial constraints, frustrations with regard to daily workload, discrimination against the profession, lack of discussions with employers with regard to staff development programmes, training material not being readily available and insufficient facilities such as an on-site library. It is also clear from the findings of this study that continual professional development will improve the self esteem and self worth of the Occupational Health nurses. For the occupational health nurse to develop professionally they need support from their employers and colleagues. The findings were evident that the employers do support the occupational health nurse to develop professionally by granting special leave to attend professional development programmes. Key concepts: Staff development, Barriers, Occupational Health nurse, Need, Psychosocial needs, Educational needs, Professional development. Copyright / Dissertation (MCur)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Nursing Science / unrestricted

Early childhood programs enhance children's knowledge and skills when teachers intentionally engage with children during free play. Preschool teachers' ability to notice and capitalize on teachable moments has been questioned in the literature. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the efficacy of professional development designed to increase teachers' awareness of teachable moments in their informal interactions with young children during independent play, and teachers' intentionality in responding to those opportunities. The study was grounded in Vygotsky's principles of socially constructed learning, including teachers adjusting their intentional interactions to accommodate the thinking of learners. Qualitative data were collected using reflective journals kept before and after the vignette-based professional development sessions and focus group responses by 11 preschool teachers in the Southwestern United States. Chi square analysis of qualitative findings revealed significant positive change in teacher intentionality for the themes of daily schedule, awareness, and scaffolding. Vignette-based professional development coupled with reflective journaling appears to be an effective method to increase teacher awareness of intentional teaching, which may positively influence the education of preschool children.

Many new teachers in the United States leave the profession within 3 to 5 years of service. School district leaders often fall short in their efforts to efficiently mentor novice teachers and examine the novice teachers' perspectives of effective mentoring relationships. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine novice teachers' mentoring relationships during the critical first year. The conceptual framework was Bandura's self-efficacy theory, a tenet of which is that people believe in their ability to attain certain goals if they possess self-efficacy. The guiding research questions focused on what roles mentoring relationships play in the first year of teaching, what their impacts are on novice teachers remaining in the profession, and how the choice of mentor affects the outcome of the mentoring relationship. A purposeful homogenous sample of 6 Grade 9 and 10 novice teachers who were also involved in mentoring relationships with experienced teachers was used. Data were collected through semi structured interviews and a group observation during an administrative support meeting for new teachers. Relationship and social code analysis of data followed an open coding process to identify categories and themes. The key findings were that participants rely on professional and emotional support; however, age and path of certification dictated mentoring needs. A positive mentoring relationship inspired novice teachers in the study to become mentors themselves. Study findings were the basis for the creation of a staff development for veteran teachers who are chosen as mentors. This study may bring about positive social change by bringing awareness of what makes a productive mentoring relationship, which in turn may positively affect student achievement through teacher retention. Many new teachers in the United States leave the profession within 3 to 5 years of service. School district leaders often fall short in their efforts to efficiently mentor novice teachers and examine the novice teachers' perspectives of effective mentoring relationships. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine novice teachers' mentoring relationships during the critical first year. The conceptual framework was Bandura's self-efficacy theory, a tenet of which is that people believe in their ability to attain certain goals if they possess self-efficacy. The guiding research questions focused on what roles mentoring relationships play in the first year of teaching, what their impacts are on novice teachers remaining in the profession, and how the choice of mentor affects the outcome of the mentoring relationship. A purposeful homogenous sample of 6 Grade 9 and 10 novice teachers who were also involved in mentoring relationships with experienced teachers was used. Data were collected through semi structured interviews and a group observation during an administrative support meeting for new teachers. Relationship and social code analysis of data followed an open coding process to identify categories and themes. The key findings were that participants rely on professional and emotional support; however, age and path of certification dictated mentoring needs. A positive mentoring relationship inspired novice teachers in the study to become mentors themselves. Study findings were the basis for the creation of a staff development for veteran teachers who are chosen as mentors. This study may bring about positive social change by bringing awareness of what makes a productive mentoring relationship, which in turn may positively affect student achievement through teacher retention.

After implementing the Common Core Standards in 2012, local school districts faced additional costs in their annual budgets to train staff how to teach using these standards. One of the problems that faced the school district under study was whether to retain the Common Core Standards and to continue to fund the expense of training teachers . The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the Common Core Standards on student achievement in a local Pennsylvania school district using scores from the Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSA) for Grades 3 through 8. The research question addressed whether there were differences in the students' learning as measured by the PSSAs for the years before and after implementation of the Common Core Standards. The theoretical framework of the study was based on Piaget's constructivist theory of knowing, which explains how students know what they have learned in the active process of learning. A causal-comparative design was used for this study with extant test data drawn from 2 years before and 2 years after implementation. The total sample size was 27,605. A MANOVA was used for all grades' scale and raw scores to discern if a main effect could detect student achievement measured after the implementation of the Common Core Standards was lower than that reported before implementation and the standards had a mixed influence on student learning. This study has an implication for positive change. If educators have a better understanding of the effect of the Common Core Standards on student learning than they would be able to justify additional training.