From problem-crumbling to innovation: The design of a comprehensive professional development training programme to enhance creative competence among TEFL educators

This paper explores creativity in English language teaching through a multiple-case study action research-based continuous professional development (CPD) training programme. It introduces a professional creativity framework for EFL teachers, fostering pedagogical innovation through a blended course delivery. The study, involving seven EFL (English as a Foreign language) teachers, employs a triangulation of methods and data sources, including action research, surveys, Think Aloud Protocol (TAP), reflective diaries, and semi-structured interviews. The research sample consists of primary and secondary EFL teachers. The CPD training integrates creativity into English lessons, enhancing professional creativity for EFL teachers. The findings shed light on the relationship between professional development and creative endeavours, highlighting the need for interventions to boost self-awareness and self-efficacy among TEFL teachers. The study underlines the significance of individual and group tasks, reflective practice, and technology-enabled communities of practice. Additionally, it offers a descriptive overview of diverse TEFL teacher creativity profiles, contributing to understanding this specific creativity domain and suggesting avenues for future research.