Developing an online community of practice
Subtitle: a case study of professional development needs for ESL practitioners working with the Canadian Language Benchmarks.
Published: 2005
Language: eng
Number of pages: 165
Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Canada -- Foreign speakers.; English teachers -- Training of -- Canada -- Computer-assisted instruction -- Case studies.; English language -- Ability testing -- Canada.; Educational tests and measurements -- Canada.
Genres: Case studies.
Description: This case study explored the potential for development of an online community of practice for the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Participants included 10 teachers, 2 teacher administrators, 1 assessor and 1 teacher resource staff from 2 LINC centres and 1 organization offering adult ESL instruction in the Toronto area. Results from a questionnaire, focus group interviews, and semi-structured individual interviews indicated the participants thought that current approaches to professional development would benefit from integrated models and theories of teacher education. Results suggest the need for a professional learning framework for ESL practitioners to further their professional knowledge and skills. Findings also revealed primary barriers to technology-supported professional development in terms of cost, time, users' motivation and attitudes in addition to factors related to format and design standards. A number of recommendations were made for the development of an online community of practice for the Canadian Language Benchmarks.
Notes: Thesis (M.A.)--University of Toronto, 2005.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-01, page: 0035.

ROBARTS MICROTEXT copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).