What is professional learning in education and why is it important in Wales?
Professional learning in education is the ongoing development that teachers and school staff undertake to improve their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.
Also known as ‘continuing professional development’ (CPD), professional learning allows educators to strengthen their subject knowledge and develop new teaching approaches to ultimately improve outcomes for their students.
This can be achieved through a range of different activities, including professional learning courses (online or face-to-face), webinars, training events, mentoring and subject-specific support.
In this blog, we look at why professional learning is important for teachers in Wales, how educators can strengthen their subject knowledge, and the different professional learning opportunities available through WJEC.
Why is professional learning and development important for teachers in Wales?
Professional learning and development is essential for teachers in Wales as education and qualifications continue to evolve.
In Wales, the Professional Development Review (PDR) process supports teachers’ ongoing professional learning by encouraging reflection on classroom practice, identifying development goals and helping teachers contribute to wider school improvement priorities.
High-quality professional learning also helps educators stay up to date with any changes across Welsh education, including developments linked to the Curriculum for Wales and new qualifications. Through professional learning courses and training events, teachers in Wales can strengthen their subject knowledge and build confidence in the classroom.
This brings us nicely onto…
How can teachers strengthen their subject knowledge through professional learning?
Developing strong subject knowledge through professional learning is an important part of ongoing professional learning for teachers.
By taking part in subject-specific courses, teachers can stay up to date with curriculum developments, qualification assessment requirements, and effective teaching approaches within their subject area.
Professional learning can also take place through collaborative activities such as group discussions, polls and practice marking and networking with colleagues and specialists.
At WJEC, we offer both free online courses and paid face-to-face professional learning opportunities. Our free online courses are an informative and interactive way to boost your teaching skills, gain subject-specific support and hear directly from experienced subject experts.
Alongside our online provision, our face-to-face courses offer teachers a chance to benefit from the in-depth knowledge and expertise of our presenters, who include teachers, subject officers, examiners and moderators. Find out how to make a booking here.
How much professional learning should teachers do each year?
There really is no single fixed number of hours that teachers in Wales required to complete each year.
Instead, expectations are based on ongoing professional learning as part of the PDR process and whole-school priorities.
Most schools in Wales will set aside directed time for professional learning and may also encourage teachers to engage in additional activities that support their individual development goals and the needs of their subject or school improvement plan.
Professional learning opportunities at WJEC
WJEC offers a comprehensive range of professional learning opportunities designed to support teachers in delivering our qualifications with confidence.
Why you should attend WJEC professional learning courses
1. Our subject experts deliver each course to enable you to our qualifications with confidence.
2. We provide bilingual face-to-face and online courses to suit your availability and location.
3. Our subject experts will respond, support and guide you, enhancing your understanding of the specification.
4. You’ll receive a comprehensive pack of digital resources, including annotated candidate responses.
5. You’ll receive the latest feedback on the recent assessment series to keep your teaching practices current.
What’s the difference between WJEC’s free online courses vs paid face-to-face courses?
We briefly touched on these two earlier in the blog, but here’s a more in-depth breakdown of what each type of professional learning course offers:
WJECs free online professional learning course
Our free, online courses are an informative and engaging way to improve your Understanding of assessments and learner outcomes. They are an opportunity for you to:
- Watch and learn: watch live presentations, listen and learn from subject experts.
- Network and discuss ideas: take part in group discussions, polls and practice marking, while chatting to fellow teaching professionals.
- Ask questions and access materials: get answers to your questions during the session and download support materials you can share with colleagues.
You can access our online training space using most devices with an internet connection and speakers/headphones, but we recommend using a laptop or desktop PC.
WJECs paid face-to-face professional learning course
Our paid, face-to-face courses are a chance to benefit from the in-depth knowledge and expertise of our presenters, including teachers, subject officers, examiners and moderators.
Our face-to-face events cover a wide range of topics such as:
- Developing your understanding of recent assessments through review of exemplar materials and marking practice.
- Acquiring practical teaching and learning strategies.
- Deepening your understanding of subject themes, topics and skills.
- Enriching your planning and classroom resource bank.
- Sharing effective practice and networking with colleagues and specialists.
- Delegates also receive a comprehensive pack of digital course materials.
Discover training opportunities for your subject here, and subscribe for updates to stay informed about new courses added throughout the year.
If you need further information or support, please contact our Professional Learning Team via cpd@wjec.co.uk.