Research On The Plateau Phenomenon Of The Career Development Of Middle-aged Teachers

A teacher's development is a long and dynamic process that occurs throughout her career,with both its highs and its lows.In the course of this process,we will focus on one particular stage:the career plateau and the accompanying plateau phenomenon.During the first 3-5 years in which a teacher has taken up a position,the level of teaching is positively correlated with the number of years of work.However,afterwards there will be a 'plateau phenomenon'.This 'plateau phenomenon'exists widely among groups of teachers.In the course of a teacher's development it occupies a critical position,especially for middle aged teachers.Middle-aged teachers are often the nucleus of a school,having accumulated of rich experience and developed a particular teaching style.Many middle-aged teachers are often the backbone of a school among teachers and academic leaders,and even occupy important positions in the school's administration.If it is possible to overcome this difficulty,their professional work will rise a step.However,if it is not resolved,they will suffer the negative effects of the 'plateau phenomenon'.The present text first summarizes bibliographic research and,through a wide reading of the literature on the professional development of teachers and middle-aged teachers plateauing,understands the present theory and reality of the professional development of teachers.We use the experience of other countries and advanced regions in the country raising the professional development of teachers as references.The author carried research at her own school,named School Y,prepared questionnaires and interviews,surveyed and interviewed the school's teachers.The research principally followed the line of research,"The Current State of Middle-aged Teacher's Professional Development--The causes of Middle-aged Teacher's Plateauing--Strategies for overcoming the phenomenon of plateauing".With respect to the the analysis School Y's middle-aged teachers and plateau phenomenon,the author discovered the main causes in the individual(intellectual sluggishness,lack of development),in the school(excessive work pressure,administrative indifference),in the society(low social recognition,low salaries).With respect to the results,the author analyzed the causes of the 'plateau phenomenon',and from its external causes(in school and society)and its internal causes(in the teacher)and attempted to obtaincorresponding advice and countermeasures,for example:constructing a favorable social atmosphere,focusing on middle-aged teachers psychological problems,raising teachers consciousness about self-improvement etc.Through the research in the present thesis,the author hopes to encourage people to focus on the professional development of teachers and middle-aged teachers and to help them smoothly overcome the 'plateau period' and have full confidence and hope in their career.