Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to examine the views of teachers about teachers’ professional learning. Qualitative research method was used for understanding the participants’ views of teachers’ professional learning in detail. A total of eight secondary school teachers in the city center of Kastamonu participated in this study. Maximum variation sampling, one of the types of purposeful sampling, was used as the sampling method. During the process of data collection, participants were interviewed one by one. Research data were collected via a semi-structured interview protocol developed by the researcher based on the related conceptual framework and expert opinions. Data of the study were analyzed through content and descriptive analysis. The results of the study revealed that teachers perceive the concept of teacher professional learning as all learning that includes their professional development. In addition, it is understood that they need the use of technology and learning different teaching methods and techniques by means of professional learning most. It has been observed that cooperation between colleagues is important in professional learning ways. Furthermore, the increasing importance of using social media in professional learning draws attention. One of the most important results of the study is the importance of school principal leadership roles in teacher professional learning. Based on the research findings, suggestions were presented that school principals should support teachers by creating a collaborative school climate, ensuring that teachers receive graduate education and contributing to their professional learning.

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