#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
WELCOME #edchat Topic: If people tend to stay in their comfort zones and many are unaware of tech and professional advances why offer choices in educational Professional Development?
We recently shared five ideas to help get your children to read this summer. Today, we’re pleased to present the sequel, with a few more research-backed tips to enjoy Endless Summer Reading. https://t.co/YNKUau7dpY#edchat#education#summerreading
Our #Edchat Topic: If people tend to stay in their comfort zones and many are unaware of tech and professional advances why offer choices in educational Professional Development?
I love sports books, what I particularly love is the lessons we can learn.
This book should be in every school, for teachers, leaders and students.
Performance = Capability + Behaviour
Individual responsibility as part of a greater goal/team.
#values#culture#edadmin#edchat
Tonight's #Edchat topic: If people tend to stay in their comfort zones and many are unaware of tech and professional advances why offer choices in educational Professional Development?
WELCOME #edchat Topic: If people tend to stay in their comfort zones and many are unaware of tech and professional advances why offer choices in educational Professional Development?
NOW UNDERWAY #edchat Topic: If people tend to stay in their comfort zones and many are unaware of tech and professional advances why offer choices in educational Professional Development?
NOW UNDERWAY #edchat Topic: If people tend to stay in their comfort zones and many are unaware of tech and professional advances why offer choices in educational Professional Development?
Our #Edchat Topic: If people tend to stay in their comfort zones and many are unaware of tech and professional advances why offer choices in educational Professional Development?
The biggest lessons after 18 months at Haeata- @andykaifong#folnz18 The growing complexity- the pedagogical changes are enormously- the web of those changes- curriculum, pedagogy. Assessment, space, resourcing, reviews, Everything changes for everything when we change anything
sports books have so much potential to teach children to harness what makes them diverse and to be reflective of the lessons they've been taught about courage and tenacity... Two I've read in school include The Contender and The Crossover! #edchat
In my first few years of teaching, I chose to attend PDs on topics I was mildly comfortable with, but now I love to branch out. Part of it depends on the individual's desire to learn. If it's strong enough, they'll go out of their comfort zone. #edchat
Some school divisions/districts are removing teacher autonomy and mandating how to teach, i.e., teach with technology and collecting data on student learning #edchat
So many times, it's best if we can see something in action. If I know beforehand why we are doing something it really helps me understand the PD. #edchat
Educators should have a voice in their PD but they too often don't know what they don't know. Many will not select needed PD that would make them uncomfortable. Some choice yes, all choice has flaws. #Edchat
In many instances, it is necessary for educators to stray away from their own comfort zone in order to meet the academic needs of their students. #edchat
As educators, we know the power of choice in education. I am significantly more invested in the PD that I choose to attend as opposed to those my administration requires. #edchat
Our #Edchat Topic: If people tend to stay in their comfort zones and many are unaware of tech and professional advances why offer choices in educational Professional Development?
I never taught in a school in which we had any choice for PD. Everything was mandated. The couple of times we were asked, the principal went with his preferred topics anyway. #edchat
I think it always needs to be an option for educators. People may tend to stay in their comfort zones, but one day may change their minds whether it be from hearing about another great experience, or a subject finally sparking interest. #improveinst@ddigiova#edchat
Our #Edchat Topic: If people tend to stay in their comfort zones and many are unaware of tech and professional advances why offer choices in educational Professional Development?
I agree that it feels more comfortable to choose PD you already have some experience with... it's important to balance continued learning with new learning about the unfamiliar! I think social justice PD is a great way to serve both... it's always evolving but familiar #edchat
Oh my goodness, I never thought of it that way, "teaching for their past." I'm sure for teachers of many years, it can be overwhelming or scary to learn new things, especially in regards to technology, but that really is a disservice to the students. #edchat
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This is such a great point; especially for teachers who are not tech savvy. Seeing the benefits of the technology and how easy it is to use can help these teachers become more comfortable. #edchat
I think it is not necessary in order to meet academic needs in all instances, but perhaps learning more ways to meet the needs of students--in other words, more tools. #Edchat
I definitely think that is part of it! I also believe that very specific feedback from evaluations and observations would assist teachers in branching out because they would more easily recognize the benefit of the "unfamiliar" PD topic. #edchat
Exactly! We have to keep in mind that not all Ts are tech natives. They don't feel comfortable, and that shouldn't be judged. Instead, model, support, and require baby steps. Then support some more and model some more. #edchat
Providing choices allows those who are ready to take the next step. I've noticed when a neighboring teacher or partner steps out of their comfort zone, the reluctant teacher starts to feed their own curiosities. #edchat
I think it’s important for teachers to remember that they ask students to step out of their comfort zone everyday to learn and participate in class. They should be able to lead by example. #edchat
Something that I've learned is that community events in your district can be a great source of informal PD... invest in the culture of the businesses and orgs and families that you work with in your school! Especially when formal PD isn't something you get to choose. #edchat
I think this is a great point that may often be overlooked. Use evaluations and observations as guidelines/suggestions for PD, but still allow Ts some choice in topics. #Edchat
"If we are going to have writers, then we need to give our students choices. Children who are fed topics, story starters, even opening paragraphs... rightfully panic when topics have to come from them." @dominic_wyse#EngLit2018@aatealeaconf#edchat#teaching#literacy
The desire to learn needs to come from within. You only get out what you put in with PD’s. I’ve expanded my knowledge a ton by taking classes I wasn’t super knowledgeable about and am so grateful! I can be a better educator because of it! #edchat
Getting a chance to see the immediate impact helps us. The communication piece as to why we do a PD is vital. Needs to be organic and not forced. #edchat
Right! At ISTE, I was speaking with a teacher who was not good with computers. He stated that the first time he uses a new technology for his class that he is frustrated and it takes him a long time to figure it out. But the second time, it’s more intuitive. #edchat
Maybe we need a Chinese menu model for PD. Teachers can choose 3 courses fro column A and 2 from column B. Column B would be the necessary courses for balance. #Edchat
The district that I teach in we have the choice in PD that we attend. I enjoy having this choice and ability to branch out and learn about new teaching techniques and topics. #edchat
I've found that it's very possible. Change their grade level or preps. Give them a new sport to coach or academic sport. Shake them up a bit, and their attitude changes. #edchat
In reply to
@markbarnes19, @tomwhitby, @3DChampion
You mean, you go to the PD sessions with the PowerPoint slides read to you with maybe a silly game that no one wants to play while the presenter (rarely a teacher in the building) tries to pretend they're hip and cool, too?! No way! #edchat
“You are here to make an impact. You will never make that impact worried about what others think or do.”
Reading this blog has inspired me & given me a timely reminder ......
Be true to yourself
#kidsdeserveit#aussieED#Leadlap#TLAP#edchat
"If we are going to have writers, then we need to give our students choices. Children who are fed topics, story starters, even opening paragraphs... rightfully panic when topics have to come from them." @dominic_wyse#EngLit2018@aatealeaconf#edchat#teaching#literacy
Best way to change it; offer multiple options that will create growth. Things that are different than what we do now. Can't change status quo without changing status. #edchat
Calling all EdTechies... my Girls Coding Club want to code an app using their iPads. Any suggestions for apps to use? #EdTechSA2018#EdTech#EdTechSA#EdChat
These are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing these. And, what an honor to have students' voices heard in such a powerful way. #edchat#educhat#poetry#Bunceechat
In order for a professional development to be effective, the educator needs to believe that the course will be beneficial improve her/his instruction in the classroom. I think giving educators a choice allows them to focus on areas they feel they need to grow in. #edchat
One way could be more pointed feedback from evaluations and observations that would help the teacher see why a topic outside of their comfort zone would be beneficial. Your thoughts? #edchat
You said it perfectly! As we know, choice is a powerful tool with our students and we like to have choice too as educators. However, we sometimes need a little nudge to force us outside our comfort zone. #Edchat
In order for a professional development to be effective, the educator needs to believe that the course will be beneficial improve her/his instruction in the classroom. I think giving educators a choice allows them to focus on areas they feel they need to grow in. #edchat
I agree. Unfortunately most PD was predetermined by our Admin team. I found that many of those offered taught "new tech" that I was already using. The one PD that I had a choice in I really enjoyed. I gained a lot of information on how to improve writing instruction. #edchat
I would add that if it's not something that lends itself to an immediate impact that there is follow-up PD. "How did your attempt to implement go? What ?s do you have now?" #Edchat
It is counterproductive to require a specific amount of seat time to obtain credit for PD when our culture affords us so many more ways to learn than the classroom. Brainwork should count more than seat time. #Edchat
No doubt. So many times, we get an idea and are told to run with it. We never get the chance to "reflect with the expert." Reflection is where growth begins. #edchat
Educators should have a voice in their Profeasional Developement. Since most educators work in teams, information is usually shared regardless of whether they attended the Professional Development session. That, I believe, is the beauty of working in our field. #edchat
"Shaking it up" can also backfire, if Ts are unhappy about the change. I have seen that happen, too. Sometimes it depends on the T and how it is suggested. #Edchat
In reply to
@CarinaHilbert, @markbarnes19, @tomwhitby, @3DChampion
Part of the reason for teachers wanting choice is because they've had to attend a few "not so great" PD sessions. #edchat Not practical. Not useful immediately. Voluntold.
Does anyone else feel like they go to a PD and are excited to try out new things in the classroom but then feel limited because your team is “stuck in their ways” and don’t want to branch out? How do you overcome this? Try it anyway? #edchat
Reflection and focused assistance by the "expert" when needed has great impact, in my experience. It has also kept my fire going for something new w/that support, even when it wasn't going as well as hoped initially. #Edchat
Often professional development is offered as a one day course and then there is no support from the district or administration during the implementation of what was learned. #edchat
In order for a professional development to be effective, the educator needs to believe that the course will be beneficial improve her/his instruction in the classroom. I think giving educators a choice allows them to focus on areas they feel they need to grow in. #edchat
If there is another T in the building implementing the strategy/pedagogy/etc, have Ts observe. If they have some schema beforehand, it may help to spark interest. #Edchat
It can be difficult to know what we actually need though. It's hard to take a step back and reflect. Sometimes it's good to have candid conversations with folks about my true needs. Not comfortable, but necessary. #edchat
In my experience, my evaluations have been vague when it comes to areas of growth, and as a self-motivated learner I would have jumped on any specified areas to seek PD. Definitely depends on the teacher though! #edchat
I like this idea-it still lends for choice but requires teachers to get outside their comfort zones in something they are less familiar with but still WANT to go to. #Edchat
Invest in your people. The most successful schools I've worked with prioritize training and professional development over #edtech, apps, software, 3D printers, flexible seating etc. Technology amplifies instruction... For better or worse. #edchat#hellotushttps://t.co/xUT669NvBP
It's the same thing I apply to my instruction. When the students know the purpose, they are more invested in the learning. The same applies for teachers and PD. #edchat
In reply to
@StevenCrane31, @3DChampion, @ddigiova
I really like this idea. This way everyone is stepping out of their comfort zone. I am guilty of going with what I know when I should be going with what I do not know. #edchat
I completely agree that the educator needs to believe there will be an impact, but I don't think everyone will focus on areas where they need growth. In THOSE instances, I think T may need nudging in the direction. #Edchat
I agree! No one likes to feel pushed into anything but sometimes we need choice and "must-do's" just as we would require for our students during work stations. #edchat
Wait time is essential to ensure that students have their thoughts together. Not affirming a response is hard for many. RT @MindShiftKQED: Three strategies to facilitate better student discussions in class from @middlewebhttps://t.co/JzmppjzKMh#edchat#teaching
With your idea on “not knowing what we need”...do you feel that all PD’s could still have some value in them even if we are already really knowledgeable in that area? #edchat
I'll def look at those two ASAP! It's incredible the crossover between elite sports, the classroom and school/education culture. Coaches enable the players perform by addressing weaknesses, building upon strengths & develop culture and buy in! Teaching surely the same! #edchat
Depends on the administrator, too. In a lot of schools, evaluations are specific, if in many areas. PD is mandated, change is mandated, and areas to work on are usually mandated, too. #edchat
I've written a book about 3D printing. That doesn't make me an expert. I continually try to learn more. There is always something new with technology, and there is always something new with education. #edchat
I think a large part of the real problem lies in how PD is often presented. Some Ts NEED the session, but b/c of presentation, don't get what they need out of it. Some people need to be voluntold. It isn't fun, but sometimes it's necessary. #Edchat
This will be my 2nd year teaching but 1st year in 5th grade! Anyone have any idea on how to best utilize PD’s as a new teacher? Sometimes it seems overwhelming how much I still have yet to learn... #edchat
I'm going to second what Michelle wrote. Try it anyway! Share successes! Once you become comfortable, invite them in to observe or tape a lesson and share it. #Edchat
This will be my 4th year teaching and my 3rd in fifth grade. The most beneficial PD I've been to was about cooperative learning using Kagan Structures #edchat
I agree! As educators we invest our time in PD to improve our instruction in the classroom. This time should be in an area of choice that the educator believes would be beneficial. #edchat
In order for a professional development to be effective, the educator needs to believe that the course will be beneficial improve her/his instruction in the classroom. I think giving educators a choice allows them to focus on areas they feel they need to grow in. #edchat
That is a huge problem with PD, in my opinion. In those instances, can you connect with colleagues who attended the same PD and support each other? #Edchat
If we prioritize, support and finance PD for educators much of what teachers are doing based on 19th and 20th century methodology can be challenged and changed where necessary. #Edchat
Thanks for your encouragement! I think sometimes it can be good to expose your colleagues to new ideas and maybe it will inspire them...maybe it won’t! But in the end, we need to do what we feel is best for our students, right!? #edchat
Something neat to try is to start a Google Doc of notes. Share it with each PD participant and have collaborative notes. Kind of interesting to see everyone else's "take" on it. #edchat
Have you asked for specific feedback and suggestions for areas for growth? I know that if I ask my admin for specifics, they will give them. If not, could you ask them to do so for this year (we have BOY conferences w/ our evaluators where you could make that request. #Edchat
This will be my 2nd year teaching but 1st year in 5th grade! Anyone have any idea on how to best utilize PD’s as a new teacher? Sometimes it seems overwhelming how much I still have yet to learn... #edchat
You said it, ma'am! It's not about us, it's about our STUDENTS, and what is best for them! Also, I would encourage you to reach out to your PLN, either in your district or here on Twitter on those days when you need more encouragement! We are here to support each other! #Edchat
It's always good to reflect on lessons. If a lesson didn't go well, think about how it can be improved. Try to identify trends. That is what helps me choose the PD I need. #edchat
I would ask other teachers on your grade level team for advice on which PDs to take. They have likely already been to them and can tell you which would be the most beneficial. #edchat
How to keep your class active:
1. Movement breaks ⏰
2. Classroom yoga 🧘♂️
3. Physical games 🏓
See our list of suggestions to promote healthy habits: https://t.co/1NY6bripHy#edchat#TeacherLife
@ChristyMcGinny In our computer-driven culture change has become more rapid and continual, so educators must always use PD to remain relevant to their students. #Edchat
I try to always learn something new, even if I am knowledgeable about the topic already. No one can know everything about a topic. There is always room for growth. #Edchat
I think it's most beneficial when it's ongoing. We participated in a yearlong Math PD and each time the presenter came back she would offer feedback for improvements and then begin her next topic session. It really improved my Math instruction this year. #edchat
I would say to attend PD that speaks to you. Where are you most uncomfortable for this upcoming year? I would also say (if it's possible) to focus on ONE THING so you don't get overwhelmed trying to do everything this year. #Edchat
How often did the presenter come to your school and help with math? That sounds like a great opportunity. I could use some improvement in my math instruction as well #edchat
In reply to
@Teacher_TCG, @GeniusKristel, @MichelleK0929
Some thoughts for improving PD. 1. Relay the why. 2. Provide ongoing coaching/support. 3. Promote/encourage teacher collaboration. #edchat@ddigiova#improveisnt
Tiffany, I am going to write the same advice I just wrote to this original post. Choose one thing to focus on for the current year. Attend mandated PD, but really focus on one thing to try to avoid feeling overwhelmed. #Edchat
That’s great advice! Sometimes I tend to take one more than handle. I am currently getting my Ed Tech Endorsement, I feel very passionate about using effective technology to improve my teaching strategies! I’d love to learn more about it #edchat
Thank you for the advice! As a new teacher, it's easy to feel as though you must be completely invested in everything that is being thrown your way. #edchat
When educators learn by DOING, they take the strategies back to their students! Way to go AVID Seattle Summer Institute!#ThisIsAVID@AVID4College#AVIDSI18#edchat
Summer school, 31 students in my class, and I'm constantly amazed by the awesome daily group discussions! These kids are motivated and brilliant 📚 @OCDSB#bestjob#edchat#summerschool
