What role can professional learning frameworks play in developing teacher agency in subject leadership in primary science?

Earle, S ORCID: 0000-0002-6155-1098 and Bianchi, L (2022) 'What role can professional learning frameworks play in developing teacher agency in subject leadership in primary science?' Professional Development in Education, 48 (3). pp. 462-475.

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Abstract

Frameworks for professional learning offer models of progression that analyse and describe changes in learner behaviours and practices. This paper argues that frameworks for teacher professional learning offer theoretical models that can enhance teachers’ agency in their own development. Teachers’ use of two primary science frameworks are considered: the Trajectory of Professional Development (TOPD) for subject leadership, and the Teacher Assessment in Primary Science (TAPS) for assessment leadership. Analysis of teacher survey data on use of the frameworks identified teacher agency and the impact of shared professional language as key themes. The paper’s conclusions build on the work of Kennedy, in suggesting frameworks offer malleable tools for reflective dialogue between teachers. The authors discuss how the explicit identification of progression in behaviours and practices within the two frameworks supported teachers to develop a shared language and understanding of subject leadership, identifying next steps for their own professional learning. They make the case that the frameworks are not sufficient on their own, they can only offer non-situated explanations of development, and that for them to be of greatest benefit they need to stimulate professional dialogue and exemplification in relation to the learner’s own context.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	professional learning, primary science, teacher agency, models of professional learning
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1501 Primary Education
Divisions:	School of Education
Research Centres and Groups:	Centre for Research in Scientific and Technological Education
Date Deposited:	24 Jun 2021 13:24
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2023 05:30
ISSN:	1941-5257
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/14149

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