Professional Learning
Call to Action
Why is a shift to an alternative model of PL necessary?
Professional Learning is a process designed to assist educators in enhancing their teaching practices and deepening their knowledge to better support student learning. But our current model of sit and do isn’t effective. As teachers in a PL session, we learn the way our students learn. That’s why the Go and Show model would be more effective and engaging for educators.
This model emphasizes active participation, reflection, and collaboration, mirroring the strategies we want to implement in our classrooms. By engaging in hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving, educators can better grasp new concepts and techniques, making the learning experience more relevant and impactful.
Moreover, the Go and Show model fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth. It encourages educators to take initiative, share their insights, and apply what they've learned directly to their teaching practices. This not only enhances their own skills but also positively influences student outcomes.
By shifting to this alternative model, schools can cultivate a learning environment where teachers feel empowered, supported, and inspired to innovate. This approach aligns with our commitment to fostering a dynamic and evolving educational landscape that meets the needs of both teachers and students in today's fast-paced world.
My Why
As a teacher, I've always believed in the power of learning, not just for my students, but for myself as well. Early in my career, I attended professional development sessions that were often brief, generic, and disconnected from the real challenges I faced in the classroom. I would leave feeling inspired by the ideas presented, but without the support to implement them effectively. I vividly recall attending a session on innovative teaching strategies, feeling motivated to apply what I’d learned, only to struggle the very next day in my own classroom. The strategy seemed promising, but there was not enough time or guidance to fully master it, leaving me to feel isolated in my efforts. Over time, I began to lose faith in the professional development process
My What
I created a slide presentation to highlight the five principles of effective professional development, drawing on insights from the literature and emphasizing the valuable opportunities that could be lost without them. My goal was to reimagine professional development by focusing on Gulamhussein’s five key principles. The presentation stresses the urgent need to transform how teachers engage in their own learning.
My How
I designed my presentation with Canva, taking advantage of its visual features to create an engaging and powerful message. I structured the content around five key principles and emphasized the advantages of transitioning from a passive "sit and do" approach to a more proactive "go and show" model of professional development. Each slide was carefully crafted to highlight one of the principles, using a blend of compelling visuals and succinct text to ensure clarity and retention.
References:
Andrews, T. M., Leonard, M. J., Colgrove, C. A., & Kalinowski, S. T. (2011). Active Learning Not Associated with Student Learning in a Random Sample of College Biology Courses. CBE Life Sciences Education, 10(4), 394–405. http://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.11-07-0061
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Goodwin, B. (2015). Research Says/Does Teacher Collaboration Promote Teacher Growth? Educational Leadership, 73(4), 82–83. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/dec15/vol73/num04/Does-Teacher-Collaboration-Promote-Teacher-Growth%C2%A2.aspx
Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the Teachers Effective Professional Development in an Era of High Stakes Accountability. Center for Public Education. Retrieved from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/system/files/2013-176_ProfessionalDevelopment.pdf
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