Combining Adult Education and Professional Development Best Practice to Improve Financial Education Teacher Training

Abstract

Financial education is an important area of study due in part to the need for improved understanding of how to navigate an ever more complex financial decision making environment, thus the need for effective classroom instruction. The purpose of this study is to examine a “teacher-as-learner” professional development program that is rooted in both professional development and adult education fields of study as means of providing financial education. This program educates teachers on their own personal finance, ultimately better preparing educators to teach financial literacy education. Results showed significant improvements in self-reported financial behaviors between pre- and post-tests. Results suggest using contextual learning for teacher professional development as it benefits personal finances and successful teaching practices.

Keywords: Adult Education, Finance and Consumer Science, Financial Literacy, Professional Development, Teacher Training