#LFOntChat Archive
This new slowchat will run over the course of a week with a single question being released each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 pm EDT (with all three questions being related during a given week). This chat will focus on an exploration of Learning Forward's Standards for Professional Learning and we will discuss practical applications of those standards in our school districts. Learning Forward Ontario will host these slowchats, as an affiliate of Learning Forward. We are committed to proving student learning by providing leadership and support for those responsible for professional development.
Sunday March 20, 2016
Please share your name/location/role & in 3 words or less, characterize your most ‘memorable’ professional learning experience.
Becky from Baltimore, MD, doctoral student in Education. My best PL experience was teacher-driven, innovative, & practical!
Jenni Donohoo, Provincial Literacy Lead in Ontario. Memorable Professional Learning - eaten alive by secondary teachers (5 words)
Fred from BC, ed consultant, grad student, retired sec. math teacher, mentor teacher. PLN: Transformative, empowering, dynamic.
Join our slow chat starting now!
I love 'dynamic' as a description for PL!
Welcome Jenni! Sounds scary! :)
Beate from Toronto, sessional instructor for graduate Ed., consultant and retired SO
Debby, 1st grade teacher from NY. Most memorable learning experience: Engaging, Authentic, Awe-Inspiring!
The problem -it was a one shot workshop on a topic they felt little relevance on a system-wide pd day - delivered in the gym.
So glad you're here, Beate!
Catherine from Kingston popping in to check out
There's almost no way to make that context work! :(
Hi Debby! Loving "awe-inspiring"!
looking forward to our conversation!
The majority of powerful PL were participatory PLCommunities. Back & forth made the dynamic, sometimes with Ss
Julie from Manitoulin Island; High School English teacher. Most memorable PL—CI work in my school and beyond!
I love it. That's the way that all PL experiences should be. How else do we match the dynamic nature of educ?
Thanks for your honesty! Great learning though...for you!
There is a topic/Q discussion here!
Always tough...been there!
Paul/Math-MESA advisor-computer teacher/Gonzales, CA/middle school. "The day Twitter was introduced to me as an education source"
Chris, London Ontario, math facilitator. Most recent ‘memorable PL experience...collaborative and thought-provoking.
Q1a What are characteristics of P.L. that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved S results?
- My experience reminded me of Jim Knight's paper based on a similar experience - worth the read - https://t.co/geOYEED3ay
I'm a Kinder T :) my most memorable PL xps are more often than not interactive. Or when people challenge me about my T philosphy
A subject near and dear to my heart - can you identify?
It paralleled all the powerful learning times with Ss. Saw connectedness of learning, about learning not teaching
We'll work with Q1a for a while and I'll add the second part a bit later...slowchat...
I think we r learning thru the power of inquiry that we need 2be very strategic with "orientations/wkshops".Inquiry draws us in.
A Very personalized form of PL, eh?
most memorable PD travel study through NEH and TED conference
What a great PL support! Totally agree!
A1a: Continuous. Not a one-time occurrence, but rather learning that happens in mult. contexts w/ mult. people & supports
No matter what the format of PL, if it doesn't match the learning needs-just like students, it doesn't work well
Wondering what people think about the difference/overlap between professional learning and PD? https://t.co/XUEs6Dx7Oe
Q1a What are characteristics of P.L. that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved S results?
Special welcome to my fellow LF Ont board members…
I would posit that some of the best professional learning that I do is not related to teaching
A1a: An experience that was so impactful for me involved observations/feedback by experts in-between more standard 'PL' opportun.
A1: relevant to staff, taking them to their next levels from where they are, usually with a collective synergy & potential energy
Please share some details! Sounds awesome!
I 100% agree with this, but would not have considered it on my own. Thanks!!
A1 I think there is a need 2 separate "training"-few but necessary at times with frequent "relevant 4 me" learning opportunities
Love the ongoing nature of what you are describing! Commitment!
absolutely, focussing on student learning needs anchors us + affords clarity
Agreed! Learning needs must drive the focus of the work!
effective PL/PLC is one that is conducted using 21st century concepts: asynchronous and open minded, https://t.co/Mu7qXRTkvL
Q1a What are characteristics of P.L. that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved S results?
Great Q! Let's get cracking in addressing that point!
Your last 2 posts were intriguing. 4me, about learning; 2 metaphors of acquisition/participation (Sfard)
A1 I know need training with assistive tech but I want to have input in2 questions of student learning
how to incorporate global technologies in meaningful ways? I think face-to-face and online are both important. .
Reaching that collective synergy...really like that as a goal! Are you fortunate to experience that often?
Yes. Part of its effectiveness comes from connecting with folks interested in similar Ss learning needs https://t.co/zJqfK2ycEB
effective PL/PLC is one that is conducted using 21st century concepts: asynchronous and open minded, https://t.co/Mu7qXRTkvL
Q1a What are characteristics of P.L. that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved S results?
A1: Strong commitment to PLCs grounded in a collective sense of responsibility for learning.
Yes, having experienced it, you want it back, over & over again. It drives your learning, motivates you all
A1a:Collaboration & synergy This will assist In improving classroom practice,engage Ss & foster success. https://t.co/r0udF7ieLt
Q1a What are characteristics of P.L. that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved S results?
I think PD is often viewed as being more formal, while PL is anything that contributes to your improvement as a T
f2f is def imprtnt. I don't mean to say go w/out it. I'm pointing out that PL/PLC doesn't end when f2f ends. :)
A1 Professional learning that is well documented (for the learner, not the monitor) and transparent to the system.
Face-to-face helps to forge strong bonds that sustains online relationships which drives deep learning https://t.co/LOcboqtR0N
how to incorporate global technologies in meaningful ways? I think face-to-face and online are both important. .
No problem! What sort of other learning have you found has helped you in your teaching?
Can you elaborate on that thought?
PL...I equate to learning over time, greater commitment/impact, while PD I equate to brief, one-shot experience.
That learner-focus is so important! Do you experience this focus often?
We all have broader identities than just our professions, and when we develop those areas we tend to improve as Ts
Shared goals and collective responsibility are also characteristics of a PLC.
Communic. & leadership, cultural relevancy & epistemological frames, quality indicators for research... so much!
A1: Facilitated by passionate leader advocates who are part of the learning.
My other interests definitely contribute to me being a better T, e.g. learning about the city, sustainability, etc.
Love this. And that’s the trick, right? How to get all Edus to have that sense of resp for LEARNING? https://t.co/EVhIE3JQBk
A1: Strong commitment to PLCs grounded in a collective sense of responsibility for learning.
reading the feed and joining in! Velia Admin
I'm glad to know they sparked thought :) Please elaborate on your metaphors!
Can really help to make PL experiences far more meaningful!
I agree and I think it is problematic to move toward online only. Relationship building face-to-face is critical.
I like this being phrased as 'interests.' Definitely true! Brings more motivation and engagement.
Is this from some Parker Palmer influences? "Teach who we are"?
No I hadn't! Thanks for sharing :)
“Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.” Palmer
Catherine, developing ourselves, as learners supports and benefits everyone
I must confess, I've not heard about this before, but I would agree!!
Like this! Talk more about "chasing T expertise".
Relationship building is key for an effective PLC. Positive relationships are what move things in the right direction.
You're speaking my language of collaboration! :)
Richness of life experience and interest leads to better Ts because I can bring that to my class
Interesting way of thinking about this! I can definitely understand the sentiment
Thx for starting I can't participate fully tonight, will join over week. Excited to co-learn
most definitely, takes time, patience, being authentic to build strong relationships
They must see or experience a need...I don't believe it can be forced...very effectively.
Self-assessment says to me I have moved or am prepared for moving from where I am to where I wish to grow https://t.co/A3Wh5of8WQ
Q1a What are characteristics of P.L. that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved S results?
It is scary how many Ts think they've finished after T training. We constantly grow
Right there with you! Agreed! Must strike a balance!
And I think there's definitely room within the Faculty of Ed to develop this mindset
That simple statement of "where I wish to grow" truly embodies that need for intrinsic motivation. Love it!
Big Parker Palmer fan here! You too, Fred?
A1 Purpose underpins commitment and accountability in prof. learning. A collaborative learner is concerned with L4 all. L with u
Ah, when they find their purpose, seeking new learning will be like breathing
Thanks for sharing! Will definitely take a look after :)
How do we move from professional learning where there is cooperation to collaboration to co-responsibility?
I have a friend who is a teacher (15 years) refuses to participate in professional learning. He feels he knows everything needed.
Thinking time for teaching teams is critical to professional learning success, from my p.o.v.!
, Its all about our students, developing the believing in their abilities
I think the nature of teaching and what is celebrated promotes individualism (e.g. T of the year) #
Sarah joining in from London. TOSA Student Work Study initiative focusing on FNMI students.
A1 PL growth mindset, ongoing, and goal oriented..PD the incremental steps to achieve the learning. PLC protected collaboration
Trick = Helping others to find that tipping point, that moment of realization that the world has changed, truly.
A continued focus on learning & self reflection are 2 very important characteristics of PL. Reflection is what allows us to grow
agreed! Connecting to our world can make learning more relevant to students.
Build capacity with your Ts, believe in their abilities, build leaders
Is data analysis an important factor in 'driving' effective professional learning? If so, what kinds of data?
And our Ss are definitely not just thinking about school, neither should we!
YES! In our classrooms, in our PL and our PLCs & PLNs. Lesson Study is like this for me; I wish 4 Concept Study 2!
PL should never be for 'show.' Admin observ of PL quality are counterproductive. Need to make it intrinsically meaningful for Ts.
How would admin even go about observing PL? Very little of my PL happens within school hours
Solid relationships = real learning opportunities
I have experienced requirements for in-person meetings or online documentation of certain amounts of PL.
I'm going to float the second half of question 1...
I think the relevance of the journey matters & shifting r def of teaching to a co-learning practice
I know! Since he is a friend, we have agreed to disagree but I find it very sad. How can anyone think that way?
A1: best PL is one that means my needs and allows for me to direct the learning, so I can grow and change to meet Ss needs.
Data is many things, not just testing..attendance, behavior, observations, & formative assessment all necessary
Wow! That sounds like it would take the fun out of learning...
Co-responsibility is HUGE...takes time...must build trust & have honest dialogue...challenge thinking...take risks.
I agree! And a lot of the meaning.
Q1b What purpose(s) might professional learning STANDARDS serve?
Data analysis should focus on the "Why" and where we are going.
So happy you could join us!
Really like this...slow and steady...commitment to learning over time...and supported!
Giving Ts choice for PL is important, but it should be supported w/Inst Coach/Mentors for reflection. Ts need collaborative wk
I think having standards helps guide learning. I'm someone who needs a framework to help me get started
Content Focus & Teacher Voice (p.38) suggest move to "pull" is key. Internet generation likes choice! https://t.co/ZLHRv1oeyb
Agreed! S learning needs are proxies for T learning needs.
A2. Ensuring teachers have guidelines so that they can advocate for high quality professional learning.
With facilitation by a skillful practitioner.
data on what works/doesn't work in PL is important to the success of future learning experiences https://t.co/c7yr1ihNlH
Is data analysis an important factor in 'driving' effective professional learning? If so, what kinds of data?
That's the rub. We have an assessment gap between what we value in professional learning and what/how we measure.
As long as we are asking the right questions and acting on the answers.
What about the evidence of student learning, right at the desks of our students...daily?
So then I wonder, how do we encourage and celebrate collaboration?
A1B Standards for coaches &I facilitators is imperative, keeping PD/PL at a high standard/quality. Ts need quality info
Casting this out again...Q1b What purpose(s) might professional learning STANDARDS serve?
So much for a SLOW CHAT! :) We're on fire!!!
Understood...your needs merge with collective needs 2 benefit from shifting practice 2 meet the needs of all kids
A1b: Standards are guides that lead to quality learning (when used effectively). They help keep our profession strong.
absolutely, observation/coaching Ss while they apply.. shows Ts where misconceptions are, allows Ts to target instr
A1b: PL Standards provide an outline for effective teaching practices. Goal to improve S learning. https://t.co/7XGPYSnunO
Q1b What purpose(s) might professional learning STANDARDS serve?
A1b: Stds help keep Ts focused on effective PL to meet their needs and those of their Ss. Creates purpose and focus
Surely we are past the days where we think we have reached perfection of practice out of teacher's college!
I think they help to build some level of consistency of quality...agreed!
I opened this can one day back in the fall with colleagues & it didn't go over well. https://t.co/57Cd6OlFiU
It is scary how many Ts think they've finished after T training. We constantly grow
A1b: stndrds may help ensure that quality PL occurs & less of a risk of experiencing a mediocre meeting. https://t.co/Q7O3sVg3Rd
Q1b What purpose(s) might professional learning STANDARDS serve?
I agree that this is the ideal case! Continuous learning is something for admin to live, not just promote.
How do you define 'data'??? I experience S making their thinking visible, I have data...current, relevant, informative.
PL should be celebrated by school & system, Ts innovating, work & achievements acknowledged empowers Ts, = success for all
That's very sad to hear! Why do you think they responded negatively?
And I really don't think it should be the admin's role to oversee PL
How best to 'measure' professional learning? Is it about impact on practice and permanent change?
Yes - this was a great first time for Learning Forward Ontario. Nicely facilitated, Chris!
I'll be back ...bath time & lunch making time back on the schedule this week!
What are the 'right' questions???
A1b, yes data supports growth, we need to collect, understand and support.
Hard time taking PLS srsly when they demand we use resrch-based practices but govt ignores same. https://t.co/I9nSkuxeow
Q1b What purpose(s) might professional learning STANDARDS serve?
A1b We know the value of success criteria 4 student learning.Might standards be part of articulating "good practice goals"4 us.
Both, Ts need to see immediate change even if small to be motivated to continue
Can purpose and focus be achieved without standards?
- you'll find some resources to support professional learning to advance the standards at our website.https://t.co/HBXWNKPDV0
also if there is no data for comparison we can't see how far we have come
Agreed Rebecca, keeps us on our toes, learning how to support Ss to reach success, better citizens of tomorrow
A1: Needs to be supported by resources such as human, tech and release time.
Alright , I need to head out now, but thank you so much for the conversation! Looking forward to continuing throughout the week :)
A1a: Needs to be supported with resources such as human, tech and release time.
Exactly, we can use data to reflect, to change, and improve it all benefits Ss - strive for higher
The right questions have to do with how they learn-not whether they prefer pizza or subs in the cafeteria.
So glad you could join us! Awesome insights! Thank you! Join us again Tuesday...same time!
Love Inaugural Chat, looking forward to the continuing PLN! Thanks for inviting me. Have a great week everyone
For those who need to leave us, Q1a and Q1b will be posted until Tues. afternoon. Q2 Tues night at 7pm EDT. Pleaase join us.
Thank you for this INCREDIBLE start to ! Looking forward to learning more as the chat continues!
Thanks for coming, Debbie!
Province-wide purpose and focus would nevertheless need to look-feel-vary from DSB to DSB.
Thanks so much for joining us! What a team!
Awesome first chat ! Great to be a part of this.
Thank you, Paul! So glad you were with us! Come back anytime through the week!
Sorry I was in and out tonight. NOT a reflection of the chat Terrific start! Looking forward to more.
Agreed! You'll find our exploration of the LF standards interesting!
In and out is the name of the game with this slow chat. The Q's will be here til Tues. New one on Tues. evening.
Thank you for moderating!
Thanks, Fred! Come back anytime!
So happy that you joined us! Come back again this week!
Like thinking of the standards as success criteria for our own PL!
Look forward to your return!
thanks for inviting me to join in. Looking forward to the discussions to come! Thanks all
A1b provide a benchmark from where to start from
Benchmarks help us to get a solid footing. Agreed!
If you are just joining the chat, welcome! It was a busy first hour, but this is a slowchat...so take your time!
RT Q1a What are characteristics of P.L. that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved S results?
RT Q1b What purpose(s) might professional learning STANDARDS serve?
Also in the UK we have who provide teaching standards in FE (16+)
Do those standards have a direct link to profession learning practices..HOW teachers improve practice?
Sorry that I am only now able to join! Just reading thru tweets. I am a Professional Learning Leader with TDSB.
via https://t.co/TzC0IogIUF
For those who need to leave us, Q1a and Q1b will be posted until Tues. afternoon. Q2 Tues night at 7pm EDT. Pleaase join us.
A1a my lead to dual professionalism teaching + subject e.g. geography become a fellow of
Do share your name/location/role & in 3 words or less, characterize your most ‘memorable’ professional learning experience.
Just retweeted Q1a and Q1b below. Feel free to post responses. I have to head out right now but will check in throughout Monday.
problem with prof 'learning' standards is they're rarely standards in being evidenced - often 'schools of thought' even fads
A1 standards so often mean 'the way we've always done this' - lectures etc. etc.
Join us through Monday until Tuesday afternoon EDT to contribute responses to Q1a & Q1b. On Tues. at 7pm EDT, Q2 will be posted.
Could we say the same thing about student learning in 2016? https://t.co/GJXtEgIWTp
That's the rub. We have an assessment gap between what we value in professional learning and what/how we measure.
Wonder how/if teachers engage in assessing and measuring their learning. https://t.co/zSPcPLRLEF
That's the rub. We have an assessment gap between what we value in professional learning and what/how we measure.
In my mind, teacher-driven PL = teacher-measured PL. TLLP offers examples. https://t.co/ht9u8ZilxH
Wonder how/if teachers engage in assessing and measuring their learning. https://t.co/zSPcPLRLEF
That's the rub. We have an assessment gap between what we value in professional learning and what/how we measure.
Would like to learn more abt how. I know what I learn & reflect on if there’s impact for Ss, but measure? https://t.co/59yXizr0oV
Wonder how/if teachers engage in assessing and measuring their learning. https://t.co/zSPcPLRLEF
That's the rub. We have an assessment gap between what we value in professional learning and what/how we measure.
Fair point. How do we measure learning? What do we count? Wrong ques? If so, what is right 1? https://t.co/4QlK3Wol5u
Would like to learn more abt how. I know what I learn & reflect on if there’s impact for Ss, but measure? https://t.co/59yXizr0oV
Wonder how/if teachers engage in assessing and measuring their learning. https://t.co/zSPcPLRLEF
That's the rub. We have an assessment gap between what we value in professional learning and what/how we measure.
Might Ts ask...How has this PL experience impacted my practice? What has changed, if anything?
Join us through Monday until Tuesday afternoon EDT to contribute responses to Q1a & Q1b. On Tues. at 7pm EDT, Q2 will be posted.
I have to be in tons of PL on one idea before I can see it in my practice. It’s a long process & I think that’s ok.
Agreed. The constant revisiting, retooling & reapplication of an idea demands time. https://t.co/bRtYrwr8o2
I have to be in tons of PL on one idea before I can see it in my practice. It’s a long process & I think that’s ok.
If all we track for PL is attendance, budget codes + completion, how does that help student learning?
perhaps shared 'problems' to be solved - not inquiry that becomes an extra task or about compliance
