Self-evaluation as a means to improve practice: An alternative approach for the professional development of early childhood educators

Abstract

This chapter offers a brief description of the field of educator professional development and presents research-based evidence regarding the effectiveness of current alternative approaches. It describes the method that the authors propose for the professional development of early childhood educators and focuses on the conclusions drawn from using quality observation rating scales as a basic means for professional training. It elaborates on how the training with these tools helped early childhood educators improve their daily practices and how it can be further utilized and discusses the basic strengths and weaknesses of this innovative approach. This chapter offers a detailed proposal for the extension of such an approach for the development of small local teacher networks through the use of these tools.