Professional development across the teaching career: Teachers’ uptake of formal and informal learning opportunities

This study examined teachers’ uptake of formal and informal learning opportunities across the career cycle. Analyses were based on data from 1939 German secondary teachers in 198 schools. Results showed that formal learning opportunities (in-service training) were used most frequently by mid-career teachers, whereas informal learning opportunities showed distinct patterns across the teaching career. Specifically, use of professional literature increased with teacher age, but teacher collaboration decreased. Teachers’ work engagement and professional responsibilities were hypothesised to predict changes over the career. However, although these variables partly predicted uptake of learning opportunities, they did not fully explain the age-related differences observed.

Research Highlights
► Teachers’ uptake of professional development activities differs across the career.
► The use of in-service courses shows a curvilinear pattern peaking at mid career.
► Teacher’s use of professional literature increased with teacher age, but teacher collaboration decreased.
► Teachers’ work engagement and professional responsibilities did not fully explain the age-related differences observed.