Key competencies and characteristics for innovative teaching among secondary school teachers: a mixed-methods research

This research aims to understand the key competencies and characteristics for innovative teaching as perceived by Chinese secondary teachers. A mixed-methods research was used to investigate secondary teachers’ views. First, a qualitative study was conducted with interviews of teachers to understand the perceived key competencies and characteristics for innovative teaching among Chinese secondary teachers. Seventeen characteristics were identified underlying four key competencies that were perceived critical for innovative teaching. Secondly, an instrument was developed in order to validate the identified key competencies and characteristics and to measure teachers’ perceived importance of the key competencies and characteristics for innovative teaching. A total of 325 secondary teachers participated in the survey. The results show that the four-factor model of key competencies for innovative teaching was validated and the importance level of the perceived characteristics was also identified. This research has theoretical and practical significance with regard to the development of competence-based teacher education programs.