Implementation of Learning Innovations to Improve Teacher Competence in Professional Certificate Programs for In-Service Teachers

Teacher Professional Education is one of the education program to improve
teacher competence in getting professional teacher certificates. This study aims to
implement learning innovations to improve teacher competence in teacher
certification programs for in-service teachers through collaboration with local
governments. The study was conducted with the involvement of 2,477 teachers
who are actively teaching in schools across North Sumatera, Indonesia. Learning
innovation was done through the provision of innovative teaching materials and
learning scenario settings. Innovative teaching materials in the field of study and
pedagogy are systematically developed to increase knowledge and are compatible
with blended learning. The blended learning is set as a combination of online
learning, workshops, and teaching practices to equip the teachers with new
knowledge and skills. The teaching materials developed have proven to be very
effective in facilitating teachers to learn actively and in the end increase their
knowledge and skills as professional teachers.