Self-Initiated Learning Activities of Experienced Public School Teachers: Methods, sources, and relevant organizational influences

Abstract

The self-initiated learning activities of experienced public school teachers are examined in this study. Twenty-two experienced teachers were interviewed to develop a greater understanding of the types of self-initiated learning activities in which they engage and the organizational characteristics that influence their participation in those activities. Analysis of the data showed that experienced teachers engaged in three types of self-initiated learning activities: knowledge exchanging, experimenting, and environmental scanning. Participation in these activities was influenced by the availability of resources, physical layout, and level of centralization in their schools. Implications of these findings for theory, practice, and future research in teacher learning and development are discussed.