Practice Changing Practice: Professional Development Program Phase 1 Program Evaluation: Final Report

This report details the findings of a qualitative research evaluation of the Practice Changing Practice professional sustained development program funded by the NSW Department of Education. The program was implemented in 2019 in partnership with the School of Education at Western Sydney University and was open to teachers working in schools that were members of the NSW Department of Education Bungarribee, Quakers Hill and The Ponds networks. The research investigated the ways in which action research, as sustained professional development, assisted in developing a culture of action research at the participating schools. It also explored whether the teachers’ action research was an effective method to improve teacher practice. Data was collected from two groups of participants (teachers and coaches) in the form of questionnaires and individual or group interviews conducted at the start of the program and again on completion of the program. Questionnaire data was collated and analysed using descriptive statistics. The combination of interview and questionnaire data was then analysed to seek responses to the research questions and to identify emerging themes within those responses. Findings reveal that the program promoted the development of school cultures of action research in a variety of ways. According to participants, the program had promoted an evidence-based approach to leadership and teaching, it encouraged the development of critical reflection and gave a sense of agency regarding participants’ ability to cause change through their actions and the actions of others. The program promoted the development of networks and connections within and across schools and with Western Sydney University academics and created a culture of professional discussion informed by current research, providing opportunities for the translation of research into practice. The opportunity to learn about and conduct action research was highly valued by participants, who reported changes to their teaching and leadership skills as a result of their participation in the program.