3. Follow up. I’ve written previously about the importance of coaching and the characteristics of an effective coach. A one-time information flood is ineffective, no matter how engaging the session’s leader may be. Teachers need support as they begin to implement new ideas, methods, and approaches. Note that support, not judgement, is needed. Showing up with an evaluation form is a certain way to kill any benefit professional development might yield. Teachers are learners, and we need the time and space to try, to reflect, to try again, to get helpful feedback, and to truly master implementation. We need the opportunity to learn. Coaching provides this opportunity, along with the encouragement and feedback necessary for success.
carmelladoty on 08 Jan 14This video demonstrates how products are being developed using open source and open funding. I am going to show this to teachers in a PD session to discuss how the workplace is changing and why students need to learn how to work in collaborative groups. This is important because workplaces are going in this direction. In our classrooms, teachers need to have students involved in collaborative work where they are using higher order thinking skills to create. This methodology supports Common Core curriculum and teach to the future.
