Jennie Roloff Rothman and Adrianne Verla Uchida

Abstract:

This talk will be a two-part session focusing on forms of teacher professional development (PD) at both the individual and institutional level. Attendees will be given opportunities throughout both parts to engage in their own PD and discuss what is applicable to their own contexts. The talk will begin with a brief introduction to PD definitions and effective practices. Following that, Adrianne Verla Uchida will lead a session introducing the tools of reflective practice (e.g. concept maps, action research) as a form of PD, with a specific focus on critical friendships. For the final session, Jennie Roloff Rothman will describe an instance of institutional-level PD and give suggestions on how it can be adapted to other contexts. This session is designed to be practical and interactive, so participants should come ready to share their experiences and ideas while being unafraid to ask questions.

Bio:

Adrianne Verla Uchida is an Assistant Professor at Nihon University. She earned her MA TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests include reflective practice, teacher development, language teacher identity, and curriculum development.

Jennie Roloff Rothman is Principal Lecturer of Professional Development-Teacher Development at Kanda University of International Studies. Her MA TESOL is from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests include faculty development, teacher development, critical thinking and global issues in the language classroom.