Teachers need to have control of their professional learning so that their professional knowledge is respected, and they can build equitable classrooms. Using Boden’s theory of creativity within a conceptual space, the boundaries of traditional models of professional learning are challenged. This presentation will address the shortcomings of models of professional development that are ‘done to’ teachers, offering a more democratic model of collaborative professional learning for teachers. This raises the possibility that teachers can enjoy the emancipatory experience of taking control of the learning focus in their classrooms so that more people have the potential to learn.
Sally is senior lecturer in Education at the University of Chester and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.