Research on Professional Learning

Current trends in research on professional learning point to the need for sustained, regular, widely-focused learning and reflection opportunities for teachers, in order to make real differences to classroom practice and learning outcomes for students.

Research on what makes for successful professional learning is generated by a range of interested parties and stakeholders, including education jurisdictions, education and psychology researchers, teacher trainers and teachers themselves. This research is used to inform the development of professional learning programs, policy and guiding documents, as well as individual and groups of teachers’ approaches to their professional learning.

Like all research, research on professional learning is an ongoing, dynamic process and should be informed by continuing study of the impact and outcomes of professional learning programs and policy, and should also be scrutinised for its evidence-base and assumptions that drive it. That is, teachers need to look at this research through a critical lens, and should not only try to keep up to date with professional learning opportunities, but also the research about professional learning. The following is a starting point of references for research on professional learning that may be of interest to teachers.

South Australia

In South Australia, the Department of Education and Child Development (DECD) has researched and developed the Teaching for Effective Learning framework (TfEL) which supports implementation of the Australian Curriculum. Schools have been invited to use this framework in their professional learning activities.

More information

For more information, download a list of references on research in professional learning.

National initiative

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) has a number of professional learning resources:

AITSL Documents

• Promoting a National Professional Learning System - a call to action
• Draft Charter for the Professional Learning of Teachers and School Leaders
• Background Paper to Inform the Development of a National Professional Development Framework for Teachers and School Leaders - by Helen Timperley, October 2011
• Professional Learning - An Introduction to the Research Literature,- by Prof Diane Mayer, Head of the School of Education, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University and Associate Prof Margaret Lloyd, Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology, October 2011