Improving the essence of teaching

Abstract

Good professional development requires that we constantly analyse what one has tried, what one has accomplished, and then what one must do to make the next attempt more powerful. If we really want to improve student achievement, we ultimately have to improve teacher expertise. That is why my argument has always been that if we want to improve the quality of education we are providing to our students (from a small rural primary school to the post-secondary institutions/ higher education institutions we may be teaching in) we cannot neglect the profession that needs to address such developments. Those who teach, or who lead teaching, have to become better at what they do. And, the only way they are going to become better is by focusing their time and energy on improving their knowledge and skill base. This is not about going to a workshop and being motivated by a speaker. This is about improving the essence of teaching.