A reflective-participative approach to professional development in teaching of Liberal Studies in schools

This paper introduces a reflective-participative approach to professional development in teaching of Liberal Studies in schools. Since teachers are academic workplace learners, the use of workplace learning theories in professional development programmes is encouraged. After having analyzed the characteristics of some workplace learning theories (i.e., reflective practice and participative learning), a combined approach to professional development which emphasizes learning through experience is designed and tried out. Initial outcomes show that the approach is practical and effective. We hope that this unique professional development approach could contribute to the continuous improvement of the teaching of Liberal Studies in school settings.