Onzekerheid als belemmering en als voorwaarde voor het leren van leraren: op zoek naar druk als desirable difficulty

Teacher professional learning is characterised by a number of paradoxes. The profession’s increasing complexity requires teachers who are lifelong learners, but at the same time this complexity stands in the way of teacher learning. Whilst there is consensus that teacher quality is key when it comes to supporting pupil learning (e.g. Hattie, 2003; Grift, 2010; Muijs et al., 2014), teacher learning is viewed as problematic, especially regarding that of veteran teachers (Inspectie van het Onderwijs, 2013; 2017). Today’s education requires adaptive, innovative and reflective teachers, equipped to quickly respond to new developments (OECD, 2014) – not an easy feat, and far from reality (DarlingHammond & Bransford, 2005; Muijs et al, 2014). In this article I problematise this theme by connecting professional learning to the teaching profession – a profession that is currently under much pressure. I discuss and propose a design rule that can support teacher learning: I promote organising safe havens as a cricital success factor. Perceived pressure can become a source for learning, only if teachers feel invited to question their ideas and practices. For that first psychological safety needs to be experienced.