Professional
development can be
pre-service or in-service
programs.
These programs may be
formal, or informal, group
or individualized.
Professional development on
the job may develop or
enhance process skills,
sometimes referred to as
leadership skills, as well
as task skills. Professional
development opportunities
can range from a single
workshop to a semester-long
academic course, to services
offered
by a medley of different
professional development
providers and varying widely
with respect to the
philosophy, content, and
format of the learning
experiences. Some approaches
to professional development
are; consultation, coaching,
communities of practice,
lesson study, mentoring,
reflective supervision and
technical assistance.
Professional development is
a broad term, encompassing a
range of people, interests
and approaches. Those who
engage in professional
development share a common
purpose of enhancing their
ability to do their work. At
the heart of professional
development is the
individual's interest in
lifelong learning and
increasing their own skills
and knowledge. |