Publications
Final report: An evaluation framework for teachers’ professional learning in Ireland
Published in May 2023, the framework for the evaluation of teachers’ professional learning in Ireland is the result of a major four-year study commissioned by the Department of Education (DoE). It represents an important step towards meeting commitments made by the DoE to evaluate and enhance the professional development activities of teachers and school leaders. The TPL evaluation framework comprises four components for consideration in any TPL evaluation. These were selected for inclusion following detailed desk-based research; empirical research with teachers, pupils and TPL providers; and input from the project’s Steering Group. The four components of the TPL evaluation framework are:
- Context;
- Key features of TPL;
- Teacher outcomes; and
- Student, school or system outcomes.
Download the report here.
Phase 3 reports – Developing an evaluation framework for teachers’ professional learning in Ireland: Phase 3a Consultation with TPL providers and Developing an evaluation framework for teachers’ professional learning in Ireland: Phase 3b Small-scale consultation with children and young people
The Phase 3a report, published in September 2022, contains findings from a consultation with TPL providers in relation to their views on teachers’ professional learning (TPL). The consultation was carried out in Spring 2021. The consultation addressed TPL providers’ perspectives on how their organisations: identify TPL needs; design and facilitate TPL; evaluate and assess the impact of TPL provided; and cater for different school contexts and participant diversity in the TPL provided.
The Phase 3b report, also published in September 2022, outlines findings from a small-scale consultation with children and young people which was carried out in June-July 2021. The report presents children and young people’s views on: How can teachers make learning easier? and How can teachers make learning more fun/engaging?
Phase 2 report – Developing an evaluation framework for teachers’ professional learning in Ireland: Phase 2 Survey of teachers and principals
This report, published in October 2021, contains findings from a survey of teachers and principals in relation to their views on TPL. The survey was carried out in Spring 2020. The survey addressed respondents’ views on TPL in general and their preferred approaches; their recent uptake of professional learning; and their involvement in activities related to student wellbeing at school.
Phase 1 report – Developing an evaluation framework for teachers’ professional learning in Ireland: Phase 1 Desk-based research
This report, published in December 2020, contains a review of existing TPL evaluation frameworks and considers best practice for process evaluation and impact assessment of TPL. The report also provides a description of the broader school and policy context for student wellbeing; a review of key findings from large-scale national and international studies pertaining to the wellbeing of 5-18 year olds; and a description of TPL in the area of student wellbeing provided over the preceding 5 years.