Validating the Impact of FIRST as a New Learner Experience Framework for Teachers Professional Development

Abstract

Teachers’ Professional Development ‘TPD’ has always been an area of growing interest in educational research. Several researchers have thoroughly explored the TPD domain aiming to develop and train teachers on how to understand, experience, practice and have a sustainable impact on learners. FIRST (Bahgat et al. 2018) is a new learner experience framework, which consists of five domains; focusing on learner ‘ F’, interacting within group dynamics ‘ I’, reviewing actively ‘R’, structuring and sequencing ‘S’, and transforming learning into performance ‘T’. It is designed based on educational psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology, to create a framework that promotes active deep learning and inspires a positive transformation in mindset and behaviours. FIRST was applied on a TPD program named Roadmap of Outstanding Educators ‘ROOTS’. The participants were one hundred and seven teachers. This paper attempts to explore the impact of FIRST Framework on TPD, teachers experience as learners and teachers motivation to transfer their learning into performance in the classrooms. The study employed exploratory sequential mixed methods design using case study methodology. Qualitative data was analysed and interpreted into codes and themes. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS. Major findings: (1) Teachers reported that FIRST is comprehensive and compiles various educational theories, models and strategies, they were able to apply the principles and strategies in their classrooms immediately after the professional program days were over, (2) Student’s feedback and overall experience were enhanced, (3) Some schools has adopted FIRST as a learner experience. These findings recommended that teachers should live the TPD experience as learners. The TPD programs should include follow up phase to enhance teachers’ experience and encourage the transfer of learning into performance. Keywords: Active Learning; Deep Learning; Student Experience; Teachers Professional Developmen

Enhancing Team-Based Learning by Moderating FIRST-ADLX Framework inTeacher Professional Development

“…Results indicate that FIRST-ADLX Framework effectively facilitates communication and collaboration among team members, supports the achievement of learning outcomes, and increases overall satisfaction and engagement. Therefore, using FIRST-ADLX Framework to moderate a learner-centric approach is an effective way to "develop and train teachers on how to understand, experience, practice and have a sustainable impact on learners" (Bahgat et al 2020).and on the other hand to help teachers in several aspects of designing and facilitating a sustainable learning experience for their students.…”