Professional Development of Chinese University-Based Teacher Educators Working as Guide Professors in the Reciprocal Learning Program

This chapter explores professional development and personal growth of five teacher education faculty members from Southwest University (SWU) who previously served as guide professors for Chinese exchange pre-service teachers in the reciprocal learning program (RLP) and specifically examined how these teacher educators integrate their cross-cultural work and reciprocal learning experiences into their own professional development. Through semi-structured interviews, researchers found that the RLP provided SWU teacher educators a rewarding working and learning experience, improving their professional skills, and enhancing their understanding of teacher education in an increasingly globalized world. Four themes relevant to SWU teacher educators’ gains in professional development from the RLP emerged: reflective practice in research and teaching; cultural awareness and intercultural skills; mentoring and developing competencies; and social and interpersonal skills.