Subject: Interesting Article on the Science of Networks, worth a read

Posted by Olabisi Kuteyi on 6/22/2005
In Reply To:Interesting Article on the Science of Networks, worth a read Posted by Louis Macovsky on 6/7/2005

Message:

Hi everyone,
I appreciate the discussions in this forum, i have learnt more about the application of system dynamics in schools. I am a big fan of the fifth- discipline fieldbook.

I am sorry i won't be contributing in that area but would like to find out the current research /issues in professional development of beginning teachers. I am currently doing a research in organizational development in schools but with a narrowed focus on professional development of beginning teachers. I believe that maximum profesional help and support need to be given to these teachers in their first year of teaching specifically to meet their individual needs.

The issue for me is that much has been done in mentoring/ induction of beginning teachers but the empirical research still says that around 35% of begining teachers leave the profession in their first five years of teaching. Are there any other alternatives of helping these teachers. Most veteran teachers talk about their not so good first few years of teaching. But the honest truth is that the foundation that is laid in the first few years is very important. What research would help these beginning teachers to have more meaningful experience in their chosen career? What would effectively help their professional learning and development?



Thanks,
Bisi