Professional Development Needs of Idaho Technology Teachers: Teaching and Learning

This study’s purpose was to identify the teaching and learning professional development needs of [state] secondary technology teachers. Teachers’ perceived level of importance and competence for 35 teaching and learning items were used to calculate mean weighted discrepancy scores (MWDS). Approximately 63% (n=46) of [state] secondary technology teachers participated in the study. The MWDS analysis indicated that the highest rated perceived training needs in the teaching and learning area were “Utilize Computer Numerical Control (CNC) software and applications”, “Teaching students to think critically and creatively”, “Motivating students to learn”, “Integration of science standards into the CTE curriculum”, and “Teaching problem-solving & decision-making skills”. Individuals involved with teacher preparation and in-service training can use the findings to inform the development of pre-service curriculum and in-service educational offerings.