Enhancing Classroom Instruction of Teachers Through Professional Development Programs
Enhancing Classroom Instruction of Teachers Through Professional Development Programs
Abstract: The study examined how professional development programs impact teachers’ confidence and competence in
adopting new instructional methods and technologies at Prieto-Diaz National High School. Focusing on enhancing
educational quality, it explored the types of professional development teachers engage in, such as In-Service Training,
post-graduate studies, workshops, and seminars, and how these contribute to self-efficacy, teaching strategies, classroom
management, and overall practices. Using a mixed-method approach, the researcher integrated quantitative and
qualitative data from 35 teachers through surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. Surveys captured teachers’
views on their professional development experiences and needs. Interviews provided deeper insights into the programs’
effectiveness, while classroom observations assessed changes in teaching practices. The findings showed that In-Service
Training is the most attended program, followed by post-graduate studies and workshops. Participation in these programs
notably boosts teachers’ self-efficacy, lesson planning, and instructional strategies. Additionally, teachers reported
improved classroom management and assessment practices, leading to better student learning outcomes. However,
challenges were also identified, including limited resources, insufficient time to implement new methods, and difficulty in
adapting strategies for diverse student needs. These issues emphasized the need for educators, administrators, and
policymakers to redesign professional development programs to better support teachers. The study recommended
expanding In-Service Training and post-graduate options and promoting access to special education training and study
abroad opportunities. Tailored sessions should address specific needs, with continuous support to sustain teachers’
confidence and effectiveness. Further research is suggested on digital learning platforms, mentorship roles, and
integrating soft skills training to deepen understanding of professional development's impact on teaching.
Keywords: Challenges, Classroom Management, Educational Outcomes, Instructional Methods, Professional Development,
Teacher Confidence.
How to Cite: Aileen Bartolata Nuňez; Danilo Estipona Despi (2025). Enhancing Classroom Instruction of Teachers Through
Professional Development Programs. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology,
10(3), 440-454. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar611
Note. In this table, In-Service Training topped these professional development, possibly due to the convenience
programs with a frequency of 35, which means that this and accessibility of online platforms. Curriculum
training is widely accessible, cost-free, and likely mandatory Development Training and Workshops on Educational
in many educational settings. While post-graduate studies Technology both have a frequency of 26 and have a rank of
are ranked second, with a frequency of 32. This suggests 8.5. This indicates that there is a growing emphasis on
that a significant number of teachers pursue advanced equipping teachers with skills to design and adapt curricula,
degrees for professional growth. While Workshops and as well as to integrate technology into their teaching. These
Seminars is ranked third with 31 frequencies, it also means programs reflect the need for teachers to stay updated with
that many teachers engage in workshops and seminars educational trends and innovations.
allowing them to acquire new skills and knowledge that
could be beneficial to their workplace. On the other hand, Coaching and Mentoring, Cultural Competency
Peer Observation and Feedback, Action Research, and Training, and Leadership Development Programs are ranked
Classroom Management Programs all have a frequency of 10-11.5 highlighting the importance of supporting teachers
30, tying for the fourth rank. This means that a large number through guidance from experienced colleagues or mentors.
of teachers venture into different activities to enhance their Additionally, indicates a focus on equipping teachers with
skills in handling their classes as well as professional skills for diverse classroom environments and leadership
growth. roles. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) rank 13,
with 21 frequencies. PLCs encourage collaborative learning
Meanwhile, Online Courses and Webinars are ranked among teachers, fostering a culture of continuous
seventh with a frequency of 28, demonstrating a shift improvement and shared expertise. This rank reflects that
towards digital and flexible learning formats. This suggests while PLCs are valued, they may require more structured
that teachers are increasingly adopting technology for implementation to become widespread. Conferences were
Table 2 The Professional Development Programs Improve Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and Confidence
Indicator Mean Description
The professional development programs have increased 4.57 Agree
my confidence in my ability to design and implement
effective lesson plans
The professional development programs have improved 4.62 Strongly Agree
my overall teacher efficacy
The professional development programs have changed 4.71 Strongly Agree
my insights along curriculum or instructional methods
The professional development programs have improved my skills in using technology to 4.8 Strongly Agree
enhance teaching and learning
The professional development programs have enabled me 4.31 Agree
to effectively asses the student learning and adjust
instruction accordingly.
Average 4.062 Strongly Agree
Note. This table shows how the Professional efficacy, indicating they feel more capable in their teaching
Development Programs Improve Teachers’ Self-Efficacy roles with a mean of 4.62- Strongly Agree.
and Confidence. The table indicates that the professional
development programs have had a significant positive Indicator 3, concludes that professional development
impact on teacher’s self-efficacy and confidence. programs have enhanced teachers’ insights into curriculum
development and instructional methods with a mean of 4.71-
In indicator 1, teachers agree that the Professional Strongly Agree.
Development programs have boosted their confidence in
designing and implementing effective lesson plans which Indicator 4, says that teachers’ skills in using
has a mean of 4.57- Agree. technology have significantly improved through
professional development programs to support their teaching
Indicator 2, suggests that professional development and learning with a mean of 4.8- Strongly Agree.
programs have boosted teachers’ overall sense of self-
Table 2 The Professional Development Programs Improve Teachers’ Instructional strategies and methodologies.
Indicator Weighted Mean Description
The professional development program has enhanced my expertise in using a variety of
4.91 Strongly Agree
assessment strategies to measure student learning and progress.
The professional development program enhanced my skill in designing lesson plans that
4.82 Strongly Agree
align with the curriculum framework and standards
I have increased my use of technology integration as a result of the professional
4.8 Strongly Agree
development program.
I have incorporated new instructional strategies into my teaching practices as a result of
4.65 Strongly Agree
the professional development program.
The professional development program has led to changes in my instructional strategies. 4.48 Agree
Average 4.732 Strongly Agree
Note. This table presents how the Professional have encouraged and motivated teachers to increase the use
Development Programs Improve Teachers’ instructional of technology in their classrooms. It reflects the programs’
strategies and methodologies. The table demonstrates the success in fostering technology integration skills.
impact of professional development programs on teachers’
instructional strategies and methodologies. Each indicator Indicator 4, Incorporation of New Instructional
shows the area of growth attributed to these programs. The Strategies with a weighted mean of 4.65 describes as
mean scores indicate a positive influence on the teachers. strongly agree. This indicator suggests that teachers are
actively integrating new instructional strategies into their
Indicator 1, Expertise in Assessment Strategies was teaching practices. This rating shows that the professional
described as Strongly Agree shows that the professional development programs have a substantial impact on
development programs have notably enhanced teachers’ enhancing teachers’ instructional approach.
expertise in using various assessment strategies to measure
student progress, achieving the highest weighted mean score Indicator 5, Changes in Instructional Strategies has a
among indicators of 4.91- Strongly Agree. weighted mean of 4.48-agree suggesting that the
professional development programs have effectively
Indicator 2, Enhanced Lesson Planning Skills with a prompted changes in teachers’ instructional strategies. The
weighted mean of 4.82 – Strongly agree shows that teachers weighted mean score categorized as Agree is (A) applies
feel that the professional development programs have that most teachers acknowledge adapting their new
significantly improved their ability to design lesson plans strategies based on what they learned from professional
that align with curriculum frameworks and standards. The development programs.
mean score suggests a strong agreement on the programs’
effectiveness in this area. Overall, the result on how the professional
development programs improve teachers’ instructional
Indicator 3, Increased Use of Technology Integration strategies and methodologies got a weighted mean of 4.732
also has a weighted mean of 4.8- strongly agree. This which was described as Strongly Agree. This indicates a
indicator says that the professional development programs strong agreement among teachers that the professional
Furthermore, the researchers found that teachers who Through targeted training, mentorship, and hands-on
engaged in collaborative learning experiences—such as workshops, professional development initiatives not only
study groups and peer coaching—developed a deeper deepen teachers’ understanding of educational content but
understanding of effective instructional practices. As a also cultivate essential skills in differentiation, assessment,
result, these teachers reported changes in their and classroom management. As teachers become more
methodologies, including differentiated instruction and proficient and confident in their abilities, they are better
integrated technology in the classroom, which positively positioned to create dynamic and inclusive learning
impacted student learning outcomes. environments that meet the diverse needs of their students.
Note. This table highlights how professional Indicator 3, On the other hand, Implementing Positive
development programs improve teacher’s classroom Discipline got a weighted mean of 4.74 -strongly agree
management. The table shows the summary of how indicating that professional development programs have
professional development programs have positively enabled teachers to apply positive discipline techniques in
impacted teachers’ classroom management. the classroom. This reflects a strong agreement that
professional development programs help teachers foster a
Indicator 1, The Enhance Classroom Management respectful and supportive learning environment.
Skills with a weighted mean score of 4.85- strongly agree
indicates that the professional development programs Indicator 4, Maintaining a productive learning
significantly improved teachers’ classroom management Environment has a weighted mean of 4.77- strongly agree
skills. This shows that they strongly believe that these highlights those teachers believe professional development
programs equip them with strategies to effectively manage programs have enlightened them on how to maintain
their classrooms. productivity and focus during lessons. It says that programs
they have attended help them create an effective learning
Indicator 2, Handling Daily Classroom Routine atmosphere.
effectively also received a weighted mean score of 4.85-
strongly agree demonstrates that teachers feel confident in Indicator 5, Establishing Clear Rules and Expectations
managing the day-to-day routines of their classrooms due to got a weighted mean of 4.71- strongly agree suggests that
the training provided. professional development programs are effective in helping
Table 5 Issues and concerns relative to the application of what is learned in Professional Development Programs
Indicator Frequency Rank
Insufficient resources or materials 25 1
Lack of time to implement new strategies 17 2.5
Difficulty in adapting strategies to diverse students' need 17 2.5
Incompatibility with current curriculum or policies 15 4
Note. This table highlights the issues and concerns Indicator 5, Another issue is that teachers express the
relative to the application of what is learned in Professional lack of constant monitoring or follow-up support from the
Development Programs. This table shows the issues and higher authority right after the professional development
concerns faced by teachers relative to the application of programs have been given. Teachers may struggle to sustain
what they learned in professional development programs. or effectively implement new strategies over time without
The issues and concerns were ranked based on their guidance.
frequency.
The study of Hargreaves and Fullan (2018), revealed
Indicator 1, Insufficient resources or materials were several issues and concerns that hinder the effective
the topmost concern along with professional development application of learned strategies in the classroom. Key
with a frequency of 25 and ranked first (1). This means that themes identified include the disconnect between
even though teachers are trained and equipped with new professional development content and classroom realities,
strategies, methodologies, and skills they may struggle to time constraints for implementing new practices, lack of
apply them in the classroom setting due to inadequate access ongoing support and collaboration, and the pressure of
to the necessary tools and equipment or yet unavailability of standardized assessments that limit innovative teaching
the resource materials. approaches.
Indicator 2, Lack of time to implement new strategies The findings underscore the need for professional
and Difficulty in adapting strategies to diverse students' development programs to be more responsive to teachers'
needs were tied at second with a frequency of 12 and ranked contexts, emphasizing sustained support and alignment with
2.5. This suggests that the existing workload or school classroom demands to enhance the transfer of learning into
schedule of the teachers hinders them in adapting new practice. This study highlights the importance of considering
methods in the classroom. Teachers find it difficult to teachers' experiences and perceptions when designing
integrate new strategies in the classroom due to time professional development that aims to foster meaningful
constraints. changes in instructional practices.
Indicator 3, Another thing is that aside from conflict in Professional Learning Development (PLD) programs
time, teachers face challenges when trying to tailor new are essential for fostering teacher growth and improving
strategies due to the varied needs of the students. It reflects educational practices; however, many educators face
the complexity of classroom dynamics and the need for numerous barriers that hinder their attendance and
strategies that are flexible and dynamic. participation. These obstacles include logistical challenges
such as scheduling conflicts, insufficient time within the
Indicator 4, Incompatibility with the current school day, and the demands of their existing workload.
curriculum or policies with a frequency of 15 and Lack of
ongoing support or follow-up with 10 points were ranked Additionally, some teacher’s express concerns
fourth and fifth respectively. This shows that some teachers regarding the relevance and applicability of the programs
find that the development programs are incompatible with offered, leading to a lack of motivation to attend. Financial
the current curriculum or existing school policies. This issue constraints and inadequate institutional support further
underscores the importance of alignment between exacerbate these issues, creating an environment where
professional development programs and with school’s professional growth is sidelined. Recognizing and
instructional framework to ensure teachers can integrate new addressing these barriers is crucial for developing effective
practices smoothly. PLD initiatives that truly engage educators, enhance their
skills, and ultimately benefit student learning outcomes.
This table identifies the issues that hindered attendance attend programs where the content is not related to what
to Professional Learning Development. Limited availability they need. It means that it is not aligned with their specific
of relevant programs is the topmost issue that hindered teaching context or goals.
attendance to professional learning development gaining the
frequency of 23, ranked 1, this means that teachers do not