CONFERENCE
On 30 April 2025, at the Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology of the University of Latvia, Maija Vilnīte successfully defended her master’s thesis “The role of educational institution management in promoting the effectiveness of the transfer of teachers' professional development activities”. The thesis was developed within the framework of the State research programme “Education,” under the project “Elaboration of evidence-based solutions for effective professional competence development of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results into practice in Latvia” (No. VPP-IZM-Izglītība-2023/4-0001), with a focus on the importance of educational management in transferring learning outcomes into school practice.
The aim of the master's thesis was to theoretically explore and empirically examine the role of educational management in promoting the effective transfer of teachers’ professional development activities. Using a mixed methods research design, the empirical study analysed the perspectives of 24 members of educational institution management teams on the effectiveness of teachers’ professional development. The study addressed the following research questions: What characterises effective teacher professional development? What defines the effective transfer of professional development into practice? What is the role of educational management in ensuring such transfer? How can a school leader promote the transfer process, and how does this differ between traditionally managed schools and those identifying as learning organisations?
The author concluded that the transfer of professional development results into practice can be fostered through the management team’s ability to cultivate an internal school culture grounded in collaboration, reflection, and targeted support for teachers, thereby promoting continuous learning. The findings offer practical recommendations for school leaders on improving the organisation of methodological work to enhance the effectiveness of professional development transfer.
Warmest congratulations to Maija Vilnīte on the successful defence of her master’s thesis, and sincere thanks to her supervisor, professor Dr. paed. Dita Nīmante, for her professional guidance and valuable contribution to the research!
The SRP "Education" project team.
