The Professional Identity of Three Innovative Teachers Engaging in Using Technology

Economics

This study characterizes the professional identity of three University teachers who have productively engaged in inquiry¬ based classroom practice using knowledge building pedagogy and Knowledge Forum, a collaborative online environment. Grounded theory analysis of teacher interviews, supplemented with field observations, highlights five distinctive features of the teachers’ identity: (a) Teachers as professional knowledge builders to explore new visions of teaching for continual improvement of knowledge building; (b) Teachers as co-learners to form symmetrical relationships with students so they can take on the highest level of responsibility; (c) Teachers as problem-solvers and barrier-breakers holding a proactive stance toward the contexts of practice; (d) Teachers as members of a professional community that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continual improvement; and (e) An empowering relationship with the Principal who supports teacher innovation and collaboration.

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