I found that all the different strategies useful and that they offered their own unique way of reaching participants. In terms of the professional development I am putting together, I am learning more towards a whole group faculty meeting. With this being the first of professional development (not workshop) being conducted at my school, I feel that the topic of technology can reach all of the teachers. I liked how the strategy has the literacy coach working with the principal. From observations, I believe that all of the staff at my school respect our principal and look for guidance from her.
I really liked the idea of a lesson study. It seems VERY detailed and specific. It also seems time consuming; however, I believe that it would be very effective. As I read about this strategy, I started to think of how I could incorporate this with my grade level. My grade level is having our first RTI meeting this Thursday with the principal. I am thinking about suggesting this to my team members at the meeting. With teachers being accountable for student success, I think this is a great way to work toward the success of all the first graders.
The article study is a professional development strategy that I would like to participate. I enjoy the idea of working together in a small group and eventually having a leader lead discussions. I think this is empowering for teachers. It allows teachers to pick their topic and collaborate with their colleagues. It is very relevant to what they are wanting to gain more knowledge in.
Question:
Is it okay to mix your professional development from whole group into small groups? The idea of integrating technology and writing seems very complex. I feel that there are so many options on how teach this and I would like the teachers to know them all. I don't know if this would make it more of a workshop.
Meeting:
My birthday is Sunday. I am spending Saturday with my Dad and Step-mom. I can meet Friday after work around 5 or Sunday around 3. I am going to dinner with my mom and step-dad Sunday night.
I think you can mix faculty meeting with small group. That's one way my teachers wanted to have PD. I think technology in a large group setting would be beneficial! Then the teaches could break off into small groups based on grade levels and adjust the technology integration to fit their level. I also think the lesson study would be fun and interesting. I would have loved getting to watch my peers and collaborate on lessons. I think it's a safe environment to try news I ideas suggested by other teachers. Then you get immediate feedback. I thought teaching would be intimating in front of other teachers, but if everyone is contributing to the lesson and give new ideas, then the pressure isn't as strong. I like how they mentioned saying "our" lesson.
ReplyDeleteI can meet whenever. Friday is good with me. Sunday is good at 3 too.
Shuold we have a rough draft of task 2 ready when we meet?
I will have a very rough draft ready. The lesson study would definitely be interesting and very informative. Being able to focus on a specific area could help all involved to better service our students. Allowing all to be involved helps others to be invested as well.
DeleteI think you can mix them, especially if that's what your specific group needs. I like Kaitlin's idea of having teachers break into small groups and adjust the tech to their grade level. I think it's a great idea to bring up lesson study to your grade level team. I can't wait to hear about it!
ReplyDeleteSunday at 3 is also good for me. Kaitlin, I think we should have a rough draft ready.
As I thought more about my question, I thought maybe whole group and then break up into small groups based on different technology applications based on what might interest the teacher (i.e. blogging, class webpage, etc.) I think we should have a rough draft to share. If it's ok with Jacqueline, then let's make it Sunday at 3!
ReplyDeleteErin, I think that is a great idea to group your teachers according to what they are interested in. Hopefully that will also allow teachers on the same grade level to be involved in different small groups, thus giving them the opportunity to share/help with their teammate.
DeleteErin, I like the idea of "breakout sessions" after your whole group. Teachers have the opportunity to work with peers and gain knowledge about an area that interests them which means they will be more likely to use the information in class.
DeleteOkay sorry for the delay in posting and responding. Sunday at 3 would be ok but I literally would only be able to meet for about 20 minutes. We have family pictures at 4. We are meeting online right?
ReplyDeleteI also think that it would be okay to mix them as well. I like the idea of starting with a large group and then letting the teachers split into breakout sessions.
Jacqueline, online at 3 is good for me. Since you need to leave at 320 we should make sure we talk about your PD first. I can't wait to hear everyone's ideas!
DeleteRemember, you are planning a program over time, not just 1 PD session. Plus you need to have different options for different people. What I see in this discussion is Task 3--planning 1 of the activities. Would you like me to join you at 3 on Sunday?
ReplyDelete