TY - JOUR
T1 - Enhancing teacher collaboration in higher education
T2 - the potential of activity-oriented design for professional development
AU - Pischetola, Magda
AU - Møller, Jeppe Kilberg
AU - Malmborg, Lone
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Professional development programs for teachers in higher education are often characterized by top-down approaches, which fail to make appreciable differences in teaching practices. This study uses a qualitative approach to explore activity-oriented design (AOD) as an instrument for collaborative learning in higher education teacher professional development. We examine Teknosofikum, an ongoing project developed in Denmark along three iterations, involving a total of 64 course participants (42 in the hybrid format; 22 online). The study applies the methodology of design-based research: data was collected via 15 semi-structured group interviews, online forums, and field notes/recordings from online meetings and onsite workshops. Data analysis follows the methodology of grounded theory and evidence is given significance inductively, based on contextual data. Four activities were selected to assess the potential of AOD methods in enhancing teacher collaboration, with different aims: reflection, discussion, theory-practice alignment, and participation. Our analysis revolved around three main categories: trust, deep interaction, and shared beliefs/values. The results show how collaborative group work activities have improved trust and knowledge-sharing among participants and have contributed to creating a safe learning environment. The paper concludes that AOD methods could better assist educational designers in promoting professional development courses that aim at enhancing teacher collaboration in higher education.
AB - Professional development programs for teachers in higher education are often characterized by top-down approaches, which fail to make appreciable differences in teaching practices. This study uses a qualitative approach to explore activity-oriented design (AOD) as an instrument for collaborative learning in higher education teacher professional development. We examine Teknosofikum, an ongoing project developed in Denmark along three iterations, involving a total of 64 course participants (42 in the hybrid format; 22 online). The study applies the methodology of design-based research: data was collected via 15 semi-structured group interviews, online forums, and field notes/recordings from online meetings and onsite workshops. Data analysis follows the methodology of grounded theory and evidence is given significance inductively, based on contextual data. Four activities were selected to assess the potential of AOD methods in enhancing teacher collaboration, with different aims: reflection, discussion, theory-practice alignment, and participation. Our analysis revolved around three main categories: trust, deep interaction, and shared beliefs/values. The results show how collaborative group work activities have improved trust and knowledge-sharing among participants and have contributed to creating a safe learning environment. The paper concludes that AOD methods could better assist educational designers in promoting professional development courses that aim at enhancing teacher collaboration in higher education.
U2 - 10.1007/s10639-022-11490-x
DO - 10.1007/s10639-022-11490-x
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 36532797
VL - 28
SP - 7571
EP - 7600
JO - Education and Information Technologies
JF - Education and Information Technologies
SN - 1360-2357
ER -