Factors that inhibit science teachers' implementation of learner autonomy after a professional development collaboration
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Abstract
Developing learner autonomy can improve learners' outcomes. Teaching students autonomy is a cultural endeavour. Therefore teachers operating from an Asian heritage may struggle to implement learner autonomy. Teachers face several pressures when implementing learner autonomy, and require development. This paper investigates what prevented science teachers from implementing autonomy-supportive strategies after a Collaborative Professional Development Programme (CPDP). CPDP guides science teachers to implement learner autonomy, with Assessment for Learning (AfL) principles. It flexibly and expertly encourages teachers to strategise their autonomy. This study is part of a more extensive study. Three primary science teachers participated in the CPDP. They were interviewed afterwards to elicit inhibiting factors, which included lack of time to prepare students for examinations and resources (pressure from above); non-cooperative students (pressure from below) and teachers' beliefs that students were unable to become autonomous (pressure from within). Detailed recommendations are given, with implications for professional programme developers and policymakers.. © 2019 Primrose Hall Publishing Group.
Keywords
Assessment for learning, Learner autonomy, Professional development programmes, Science teachers
Divisions
Education,aei
Funders
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme Project No. FP035-2016 by Ministry of Education, Malaysia
Publication Title
International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change
Volume
7
Issue
6
Publisher
Primrose Hall Publishing Group