Pre-Class Preparation - Teacher Professionalism

Pre-Class Preparation (Flipped Component)

Since Social Constructivism benefits from shared prior knowledge, please complete the following before class:

📚 Required Readings

Reading 1: Professional Capital

Source: Professional Capital: Transforming Teaching in Every School by Hargreaves & Fullan (2012) – Chapter 1

Focus: Definitions of professional capital

Access: Available via university library or online access

Reading 2: Comparative Perspective

Source: "Teacher Professionalism in Finland and the United States"

Focus: Comparative analysis of professionalism frameworks

Access: University library link or open access journal

🎥 Pre-Class Video (5 minutes)

Watch: What is Teacher Professionalism? A Global Snapshot

This short video provides an overview of teacher professionalism from international perspectives.

Options:

Instructor-made video (available on LMS)
OECD video on teaching status (YouTube)

Make notes on key concepts while watching.

💭 Guiding Questions

Please reflect on these questions and post your responses on the discussion board before class:

What do you think are the three most important elements of a "professional" teacher?
From the readings, find one similarity and one difference between how professionalism is described in two different countries.
Bring one question that puzzled you about the readings.

🌐 How to Post on Discussion Board

Log into your Learning Management System (LMS)
Navigate to the course page
Click on "Discussions" in the sidebar
Find the thread: "Pre-Class Reflections: Teacher Professionalism"
Click "Reply" and type your responses to the three questions
Submit your post at least 24 hours before class

📝 Diagnostic Quiz (Pre-Test)

Complete this quiz to assess your initial understanding. Each question includes a peer-discussion prompt after submission.

Question 1: What is the primary definition of teacher professionalism?

Following school rules without question A combination of knowledge, autonomy, ethics, and accountability Dressing formally and maintaining authority Having advanced degrees and certifications

Question 2: Which statement about teacher professionalism is TRUE?

Professionalism is the same everywhere around the world Professionalism varies based on cultural and institutional contexts Professionalism only applies to experienced teachers Professionalism means avoiding collaboration with colleagues

Question 3: What is "professional capital" according to Hargreaves & Fullan?

The salary and benefits teachers receive The number of teaching certifications held Human, social, and decisional capital working together The prestige of the school where one teaches

Question 4: Which country is known for giving teachers high levels of professional autonomy?

Finland South Korea Singapore All countries give equal autonomy

Question 5: Teacher professionalism includes which of the following?

Only following prescribed curriculum Balancing autonomy with accountability Avoiding professional development Working in isolation from colleagues