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Further Information on TPD

Effective teaching is one of the most important ways to improve learning outcomes for students, and teacher professional development (TPD) is key to improving teaching. When we say TPD, we mean developing the skills of in-service teachers, including their pedagogical skills, confidence, and content knowledge.

Here you’ll find a curated list of EdTech tools for teacher professional development. Just as important, you’ll find guidance to support decision-makers in how to use the tools in a way that aligns with evidence and helps achieve sustainable change.

How did we develop this list?
  • We reviewed the evidence on effective TPD in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and the role technology can play
  • We analysed 700+ EdTech tools that can be used for TPD, focusing on tools that:
    • Are ready to use, i.e., they have gone past the ideation stage;
    • Are appropriate for LMIC contexts, in terms of content and digital infrastructure needs;
    • Can fit flexibly within existing TPD programmes;
    • Are open-source, free, or have low-cost options
Why is teacher professional development important?

Effective teaching is one of the most important ways to improve learning outcomes for students, and teacher professional development is key to improving teaching. When we say TPD, we mean developing the skills of in-service teachers, including their pedagogical skills, confidence, and content knowledge.

  • TPD has the second largest impact on pupils’ scores in low- and middle-income countries.
  • TPD is  an essential ingredient of improving literacy and numeracy scores, when combined with other key components of  structured pedagogy, which is a specifically designed, coherent package of investments that work together to improve classroom teaching.
Who is this resource for?

This page is for decision-makers working in the space of TPD. This can include policymakers, donors, non-governmental or intergovernmental organisations, programme coordinators, and other actors involved in the development of TPD programmes at scale. Teachers, parents, and learners may also benefit from this resource.

How can you use this resource?
  1. First, think about what issue you would like to solve within your TPD programme (Remember: Tech is good for solving specific challenges, not general ones.)
  2. Second, identify which type of tool you need to use to address the issue within your TPD programme. Based on the evidence on effective TPD in low- and middle-income countries, we’ve divided the tools into three categories: learning about effective teaching, lesson planning, and communication and collaboration.
  3. Third, within your chosen category, look at the guidance on how to use the tools. This includes research evidence, practical considerations, and how to tailor your use of the tools for different users and skill levels.
  4. Finally, look through the curated tools. When you choose a tool, it will link you back to our EdTechTools Database, giving you more information about the tool and how to use it. When you start using a tool, consider monitoring its use so you can assess its effectiveness and impact.
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