The Predicting Role of Continuing Professional Development ( <scp>CPD</scp> ) in Chinese <scp>EFL</scp> Teachers' Agency and Pedagogical Effectiveness

ABSTRACT The influence of continuing professional development (CPD) on English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers' agency and pedagogical effectiveness has been limitedly explored to date. To address the gap, this study employed three questionnaires in China looking at 516 teachers' perceptions of CPD, agency and effectiveness. The results of structural equation modelling (SEM) and multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation among the three constructs of CPD, teacher agency and effectiveness. It also found that approximately 59% and 46% of the variability noticed in teachers' effectiveness and agency could be predicted by the cumulative effect of CPD. The study presents a discussion of the results and details the implications for EFL teachers and teacher trainers concerning the benefits of CPD for teachers and teaching.