Professional+Context

*This page maintained by Julie & Becky (The HOT Girls)

=Professional Context = = = arm flailing brain flailing


 * What is being planned?** Is it part of a bigger picture? A series? One shot thing? Required or voluntary? Paid? Is it to cover tech standards or school plan?


 * Why?** To teach skills to use an available or forthcoming tool? Prepare for future? More general? Are they interested in it because of their own goals or is it required by the school?


 * By whom?** By the tech teacher? By administrator? By a district specialist? Outside source?


 * For whom?** For all teachers? Faculty/Staff (aids, resource...)? Just Specials? For just those interested in the topic? Is it part of individualized career goals? For a specific skill level (beginner, advanced)?


 * Where?** At school, off site?


 * When?** During school day? Before or after school? Weekend?


 * How?** Format? Online? Face to face, group or team or individual?

Principles:
What:

Why:
 * When scheduling a PD session, consider allowing time to form personal learning networks with colleagues in and outside of the district.
 * Building in time for experiential learning allows learners to cement the content that has been presented.
 * Professional development should be organized not only to present new concepts and skills but also to allow learners to master skills and concepts.

By Whom: For Whom:
 * The right presenter for the job should be chosen; subject matter experts should be carefully chosen for their knowledge and ability to impart the necessary concepts and skills.
 * The presenter does not have to be "In-House."
 * The strategies utilized in planning a PD program will depend on the audience (experience, skill, job, interests).
 * Formation of groups will depend on the content as well as the participants.

Where: When: they will need to spend several days examining the idea, becoming comfortable with the idea, and, finally, testing the idea I like the chance to come back together to discuss the progress, ask questions, and share ideas. although I have seen great oneday presentations, the professional development groups at my school are yearlong commitments. I learn best when on a regular daytime schedule and with six to eight hours of sleep. How: I think that peer led activities in small amounts of time seem to be more effective than few hour long lectures with information overload and without breaks. This can be through mentoring, coaching, or simply providing resources and contact information.
 * Creating an environment with minimal distractions generally increases participant engagement.
 * In choosing a location for a PD, consider giving teachers the opportunity to visit other schools or classrooms to observe and appreciate how other programs operate.
 * Optimally, PD would be built into a regular teaching day so that participants do not need to give up their personal lives.