THE IMPACT OF TEACHER EDUCATION ON CHILDREN’S RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR ON LEARNING:
Abstract
This study aims to understand the effects of two postgraduate programs in teachers’ professional development, and its relationships with children’s learning. The study investigates the impact of two postgraduate programs of University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, in the development of quality practices in early childhood education, analyzed through children’s competence of making choices, planning their actions, and ability to take initiative. The sample of this qualitative case study includes 40 preschool teachers. The PIP Program Implementation Profile (HighScope Educational Research Foundation, 1989) was used to assess the quality of practices, and opportunities given to children to develop their ability to make choices and take initiative. The data emphasize learning pedagogy as a long process that requires learning skills of a complex nature. Highlight the interconnected relationship between teacher education, professional development and children’s learning. Emphasize also that not all teacher education guarantees the right of children to participate actively in their own learning (Oliveira-Formosinho, 2004).References
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