Professional development in Food and Textiles Technology in Samoa.

Abstract

In this article, professional development for Food and Textiles Technology teachers in Samoa is discussed with particular reference to teacher learning, teacher reflective practice, and improvement in student learning outcomes. Prior research highlights that teacher professional development links to improvements in teaching. There is a significant relationship between teacher learning and improvement in student learning, which contributes to addressing the problem of poor student outcomes. Effective teacher learning also leads to increased student engagement. Continuing professional education is important for teachers, and the research recommends that principals take a lead in supporting professional development for effective teaching. This study focuses on the analysis of findings from a small-scale study of Food and Textile teachers’ experiences of professional learning. The teachers reported that, while they understood the need for further professional learning, insufficient opportunities for professional development were provided by schools and the Ministry of Education, Sports & Culture – and, even where it was available, either not enough teachers took the opportunity or the content provided was of limited value. The study aims to add to our research-based knowledge on how to improve and enhance teacher learning in schools in Samoa, in particular, in the area of Food and Textiles Technology.