Developing Paradigms, Patterns, and Mechanisms for Science Teachers’ Professional Development in Area-Based Networks in Thailand

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to develop a paradigm, pattern, and mechanism for the professional development of science teachers in area networks that was consistent with the needs of educational institutions according to the key priority agenda for development. The target groups used in this study were teacher production institutions and educational institutions in the northeastern region of Thailand. Research tools included data collection forms and questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by standard statistical methods, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, priority need index (PNI), and content analysis. The results revealed that the paradigm, pattern, and mechanism for science teachers’ professional development found in the northeastern area–based networks of Thailand were individual-based development (ID), spiral patterns (SP), and multiple networks (MN). Individual-based development was a new paradigm of professional development that emphasized the driving force and quality from within by progressive and individualized programs using students’ outcome-based development. The spiral pattern was a professional development model emphasizing self-paced learning with diversity and an integrated model through blended, action-based learning, both on-the-job training and off-the-job training, using coaching and mentoring from the teacher production institution in the area. The multiple networks were a professional development mechanism cooperating and supported by a school, university, private sector, and local and national affiliation using school-based development. The way forward is to form a professional learning community using a cooperation network in a school which acts as a mechanism to drive policies for cooperative practice. Recommendations are offered as a result of this study. The results revealed that the paradigm, pattern, and mechanism for science teachers’ professional development found in the northeastern area–based networks of Thailand were individual-based development (ID), spiral patterns (PS), and multiple networks (MN). Individual-based development was a new paradigm of professional development that emphasized the driving force and quality from within by progressive and individualized programs using students’ outcome-based development. The spiral pattern was a professional development model emphasizing self-paced learning with diversity and an integrated model through blended, action-based learning, both on-the-job training and off-the-job training, using coaching and mentoring from the teacher production institution in the area. The multiple networks were a professional development mechanism cooperating and supported by a school, university, private sector, and local and national affiliation using school-based development.