The use of Social Network Analysis to enable effective Professional Development for teachers
Abstract: The continuous professional development of teachers in South Africa is regulated by an Integrated Quality Management System(IQMS). The aim is to promote quality in teaching in South African Schools. The IQMS comprises three distinct programmes: The Developmental Appraisal System (DAS) appraises teachers. The Performance Management System (PMS) evaluates teachers for salary and grade progression, and may also be used for rewards and incentives. The Whole School Evaluation (WSE) programme evaluates the overall effectiveness and quality of teaching and learning in a school. All teachers in South Africa are expected to participate in professional development activities(INSET), and they must subject themselves to performance management. In this study we propose that the establishment of an online Social Network for Professional Development at a school is an important way in which professional development can be facilitated, and that Social Network Analysis is a reliable way to describe, explain, monitor and promote an individuals’ professional development engagement.