Value of Teacher Training

Continuing professional development (CPD) of teachers has a much better impact on the learning outcome of students than other interventions such as performance-related pay or lengthening the school day, according to a study conducted by Education Policy Institute, the UK for Wellcome Trust. The CPD includes training courses, mentoring, seminars, and peer reviews. This is helpful in closing the gap between the newly recruited and experienced teachers. The study finding is based on the evaluation of 52 randomised controlled trials of teacher training programmes. CPD is also cost-effective compared to one-to-one tutoring of students. They produce positive responses from teachers compared to other interventions. Large, structural changes to the school system, while as effective at improving pupil outcomes, incur substantial costs in terms of staff turnover and dissatisfaction. CPD programmes help in early-stage retention of teachers while induction and mentoring are also effective.