#21stedchat Archive
Our mission for our 21st century chat is to create a positive 21st century learning environment for our students by sharing resources and ideas that has worked in our classrooms. Join us every Sunday from 8:00-9:00 PM (EST) on Twitter using the hashtag #21stedchat. All are welcome!
Sunday February 21, 2016
Welcome to with & I tonight we are talking: PD: How Do We Make It Better and Personal? PLS Introduce Yourselves
I’m Jill a Personalized Learning Director from NC and co-creator of
Good evening everyone! :) 4th grade teacher from California
The is about better PD starting in a minute. Hope some folks are there
Hi Carl from Emerald Australia
Guarding a door at school swimming sports
Evan Robb- Principal from VA-- happy to be here!
Hi, …educator in North Dakota. :)
Dave from MI Science T and tonight's moderator.
Hi ! Mary, from Northern California.
Welcome our Keynote from yesterday's Conference & advocate.
Excited to see new and familiar faces in tonight. Thanks for join and I.
Hey ! I'm a student at GRove City in PA and I'm excited for my first time here
Great day yesterday. great chat tonight!
Hey I am a preservice teacher from Alberta and this is my first twitter chat
Brian, Director of C&I from WI. Joining for the next hour as I can tonight.
Greetings to all from Prof Susan in IL who loves the possibilities that technology makes for 21st century education globally.
Q1: What makes for bad PD? and are they sometimes necessary?
Lisa, Special Educator...joining from RI
Mario from Los Angeles. Innovation Coordinator and 6th Grade ELA teacher . Hi everyone!
But wouldn't they distract?
A1) Bad PD is non interactive where it is just done at you.
A1: Trying to solve all of our problems instead of teaching and guiding us to solutions
Lynell Powell -Professional Learning Specialist, Joining from Virginia Beach
A1. PD that is sit and get, that has no purpose/goal and that is just part of someones 'checklist'
A1: Bad PD is sit & get, not interactive and being talked at. The one doing the talking is the one doing the learning.
Bad PD is using the one size fits all method-
Don't you just love Powerpoints that are read to you?
https://t.co/IOqWx5OGLd
A1. PD that is sit and get, that has no purpose/goal and that is just part of someones 'checklist'
A1: Bad PD is mandated, one size fits all, impractical for you, delivered by someone you don't know who doesn't know your Ss.
A1: Trying to have everyone hear the same message. At times needed, but could it be done differently? https://t.co/guXWDSJhIl
Q1: What makes for bad PD? and are they sometimes necessary?
Legos help you process what is going. The hand building let's you work through what is being taught
A1 PD that doesn't take into consideration what teachers need and want...also, teacher led PD is often the best!
A1: Bad PD is one size fits all
A1: Lack of true practical examples used throughout the PD
But isn't that administrative expedient? In most cases? Compliance PD?
A1:No exploration w/ topic at hand. Vague description of goals and intentions of the PD. No interaction with peers or presenter.
A1 squawk and demo is so dull and goes against a lot of theories
A1: bad pd occur when unengaged Ts who don't see the value or relevance in the pd
That's when you're looking up more interesting things on your phone or laptop!
Lacks time for reflection
A few bad apples can really bring down a PD... :( hmm
https://t.co/RQ0fP6v4Zb
A1: bad pd occur when unengaged Ts who don't see the value or relevance in the pd
I hate it when I'm read to from a ppt, really want to point out that I'm literate
A1 Your point is well taken- and I have seen it before- you can mandate compliance but u cannot mandate commitment
Q2: Some PD is mandated... (ugh). How can that be done better? or is this a repeat of Q1?
we can't we read them in unison instead
I always like a PD opportunity when, from the beginning, I read, "Participants will be able to..." Learning outcome/targetZ
Bad PD is having edus sit in classes/workshops that, even if interesing, leave virtually no lasting change, growth, benefit
A1 Bad PD is like poor instruction...lacks investment of the participants and there is little engagement
A2) Give time for teachers to talk, ask questions, lead the discussion.
. Give choices to teachers of types of PD they want to go to
should have read...pd isn't relevant or engaging means it's bad for Ts
Sounds like a good plan to me!
https://t.co/vvsbEHXtQj
. Give choices to teachers of types of PD they want to go to
A2. Even mandated PD can be creatively done with relevance but the problem is people don't want to take the time to change it.
Mandy, IC in TX. A1: Bad PD is PD that I don't need, can't implement, already had, or don't care about. https://t.co/MkDCZLEjhx
ahh... for sure. probably leads to what I inferred
A2: For mandated PD, send me a video or an email. And let's all get on with our lives.
A2: Speak to the teachers. Get their thoughts and provide meaningful PD. We are busy and if it feels like our time is wasted :(
Is it really PD if I could have read about it in an email.
Or in a newsletter / video. https://t.co/wQdIEKul4P
Mandy, IC in TX. A1: Bad PD is PD that I don't need, can't implement, already had, or don't care about. https://t.co/MkDCZLEjhx
Q2b: Could mandated PD be done via online delivery? Google Classroom? Schoology? ITunesU
Thankful that some people do want to change it!
Q2: Use more online formats for updates and information
A2: The best PD I ever had was Lesson Study. Not mandated.
Yes
Though at least you can serve tacos when it's in person. Mandated tacos. Yup, it's a thing. https://t.co/MY6j4V08BF
Q2b: Could mandated PD be done via online delivery? Google Classroom? Schoology? ITunesU
A2: Important to look for ways to scaffold mandated PD for staff, just like we would for our students. https://t.co/BSbkO8cHJG
Q2: Some PD is mandated... (ugh). How can that be done better? or is this a repeat of Q1?
A2 Even if mandated professionals deserve to hear how it fits into the vision of the school-that costs nothing
is now trending in USA, ranking 39
Siri & I had a slight miscommunication, lol
A2 How about personalizing the PD by asking teachers to present...finding fun ways to use tech to to deliver mandated PD
Hi! I'm a Student at Elon University. My favorite writer at the moment is Zora Hurston (Their Eyes were Watching God).
A2:Usually mandated PD is long & goes through many topics. Differentiate portions based on familiarity, skill set, & interests.
We need to get educators & students to be constant learners who seek learning on their own that best suits their needs
I AGREE. Having more than a powerpoint being read to you enriches learning and maintains the engagement!
So true. Teacher choice should be valued and honored.
A2b Absolutely! It's part of having a growth mindset.
A2: Make those PDs more relevant
A2) yes but some level of dace to face contact still is important
A2 I agree. Mandating is less the problem for PD. What is most important is the quality & lasting effectiveness of the PD.
A2 should have more play in the PD. Need exploration time to understand what is happening
I think it's time to rethink what we do when we have that F2F contact.
https://t.co/QovihBRCvh
A2) yes but some level of dace to face contact still is important
A2 Agreed! If we expect engaged classrooms why should staff be subjected to compliant PD?
The possibilities are endless. Teachers deserve varied delivery just like kiddos do.
A2: Flip the model, have us watch a digital presentation and workshop it during PD session
A2: skip the sit & get approach, personalize pd & no 1 size fits all https://t.co/yxmyXKN1A5
Q2: Some PD is mandated... (ugh). How can that be done better? or is this a repeat of Q1?
A2 I think it should be a combination of both
Q3: Enough of the negative. What is the best PD you attended in or out of school?
F2F is great for reassurance and that chit chat that moves you to next stage
I am new to using Twitter & will be in the classroom soon. I’m just watching this chat. Can some 1 remind me what PD stands for?
A student teaches a valuable lesson to his teacher. Read -> DEAR KEVIN - The Learning Lessons Series https://t.co/pm5M6O8uqp
Hey I'm a bit late, but my name is Rachel Falk and I'm a secondary math ed major at Grove City College!
Professional Development.
Mandated PDs need to be departmentalized and differentiated
A3) Have been very impressed with the camp model! And of course, I love Edcamps!
Which is why I love Twitter Ed Chats and co-moderate ! Powerful PD!
A2 Start by renaming it, because calling most of that stuff PD is a misnomer. https://t.co/6Y8KFXBzhs
Q2: Some PD is mandated... (ugh). How can that be done better? or is this a repeat of Q1?
sure it can... All those are just different inputs
A2b: Effective use of time is important- A training that could happen in 1.5 hours doesn't need to take 3+.
A3. Active PD's that embraced collaboration, movement, choice and that have relevance, purpose and goals.
My test of any PD. Am I a better teacher for attending?
A3: Using in the classroom for math it was eye opening and opened up possibilities in class
A1: when Ts don't look forward to participating in PD... it's just a requirement
A3:Edcamp has been my favorite experience so far. In terms of work related, anytime Ts present on what they do is engaging!
Welcome! You'll find a group of educators who are committed to helping you succeed!
A3: Best PD = and toping the list is Twitter because no where else can you get awesome PD 24/7
A3 I have found some Google trainings to be absolutely transformative regarding how students interact with teachers
I agree about the scaffold piece. That's where PLCs can come in.
A3 Many of the classes I am currently taking at college are so helpful with PD. I'm very lucky!
So glad you are connecting and building your (personal/professional learning network) now!
A2: PD unfortunately has to be mandated for some Ts to participate. Make it more engaging and interesting so Ts will want to
Oh yeah, I'm a big fan of my PLN!
https://t.co/ApLcxJtOW7
A3: Best PD = and toping the list is Twitter because no where else can you get awesome PD 24/7
A3: Had our last of the season today. Ts say they love it. Get exactly what they need in comfortable atmosphere
Q3b: What is the or can you remember the best IN district PD you ever had?
A3. Not meant to be a PD. Went and listened to a film editor talk and run me through the process
Yes. Also, are my students better because I attended?
A3:Best PD has been PD led by staff sharing new ideas they are currently trying & what works/hasn't yet. https://t.co/sZ7n9hziHI
Q3: Enough of the negative. What is the best PD you attended in or out of school?
A3b. I had one on Friday!
A3: current ed student, but learning a lot about PD in college!
A3: hands down best PD for me has been the various 's I've attended or the building wide bveraions we put on at our HS
A3 Two years ago my staff went to the Children's Hospital for training in identifying (NOT treating!) mental illness in teens.
So excited about attending my first edcamp in April!
Q3bb. Give details of your best PD in district.
A3: hands down best PD for me has been the various 's I've attended or the building wide versions we put on at our HS
A3b) Am proud of the event that we had yesterday with STEM / Edtech Symposium
A3 Best is when we have time to work together, plan for how we will use it, and opportunities for conversation
A3: School staff like having multiple options, based on content and readiness level.
A3. Sometimes PD is what you make of it so having a is helpful too. Even bad PD's I can find a takeaway usually.
Participants could choose where to go. Presenters and participants from both in district and out of it. https://t.co/eVH5IeivzL
Q3bb. Give details of your best PD in district.
A3 Best PD: returning to teach Business Wrtg, getting current w the literature & practice, teaching Ss networking teamwk etc
A3: Our teachers enjoy Edcamps,
A3:Also a quick gauge for PD experience is how you feel afterwards. The best ones are motivating and push your thinking.
(Even if it's "I will never subject other professionals to this type of nonsense.")
We included the students. As presenters, in attendance... learning right alongside them. https://t.co/eVH5IeivzL
Q3bb. Give details of your best PD in district.
could I count the time I presented? :)
Do you think loses some magic when attendance is mandatory (in place of sit-and-get during the day PD)
It's why I volunteer to present. If I'm bored at my own presentation, something is DEFINITELY wrong https://t.co/9Tvzo0bLd1
could I count the time I presented? :)
Q4 is for can you explain your and concepts?
Exactly! Or learn hat not to do in PD's I do.
A3b: We've done a great job this year with CCCS-Math professional development.
Such a cool experience! I hope my organization moves toward this.
. Yes all of can answer but we have an expert in our midst tonight.
. Yes all of can answer but we have an expert in our midst tonight.
And energizing instead of draining
Our campus has started asking Ts what they want to learn about and then designing sessions around their ideas.
Shhhhhh Craig we must hear only from
From any district? Or just yours?
nice.. I'm think of doing a this spring
Quick everybody hack the chat and answer anyway!
A3bb:Best PD was when I attended master teachers engaging us as students in their classroom to show us methods they use in ELA.
Gr8 question - depends on who is running it + you will always have nay sayers at any PD opportunity https://t.co/dUOOqyOh0E
Do you think loses some magic when attendance is mandatory (in place of sit-and-get during the day PD)
PD planners can account for varied audiences and differentiate sessions accordingly.
A4 I like the concept of each person seeking what is meaningful along with a school macro theme to focus on
I'm going to share this Tweet with my TOSAs who've been doing lesson study. Thanks.
A3: We have a group of teacher leaders exploring personalized learning...Job-embedded PD
. do your T's get "credit" for attending?
Have had multiple districts/grade levels. Everyone can do same concept right where they are. Send out emails tomorrow!
What if it's summertime? Do they still have to use a fireplace? I'm confused.
Fire pit on the beach? :-)
Different can be sooooo refreshing!!
Awesome! I 💙 Lesson Study!
Awesome. Let me know how I can help
what about a Bon fire and a weenie roast?
I think I'm down with that. You're going to have to do something about all the bugs in Michigan, though.
Actually, he can. *Insert Amazon link here.*
Yes!!!!!!!!!!! It was an incredible event! https://t.co/iiXP5phn9I
A3b) Am proud of the event that we had yesterday with STEM / Edtech Symposium
If you are near a nice lake breeze then no bugs.
If it can be done with a video, it's probably not worth being "mandated PD." In-person time is precious!
Disagree. As soon as you impose your macro focus you take away autonomy & nobody shows up. Has to be theirs.
They can get credit. Usually about 1/2 do & 1/2 don't. They just want to learn. Credit is a nice option https://t.co/ffiqmvYnpy
. do your T's get "credit" for attending?
We are less than 30 minutes away from tonight!
We hope you join us
Q5: How do we convince admins at all levels to create do relevant (to the T) and/or for us?
A4 Wow you are blunt- A macro focus could be grading- staff learn on their own- review best practice and discuss
A3bb Best PD is almost never an event/meeting--unless it leads to concrete take-aways & clear steps to go forward with change.
I spent a week workshop on Martha's Vineyard 4 grad credits! It was amazing summer PD event https://t.co/ZouCmnjgZ0
A5 have them go to an Edcamp and see the board to see what is relevant
great question. But I'd flip it to how can admin support PD for teachers? What can admin do to support?
For T led PD to count all we have to have is an agenda and sign in sheet that lasts at least an hour.
A5: Administrators need to experience Edcamp.
a5 they need to experience that kind of relevant PD themselves first
So if you read the description, is in the summer. in winter where we have snow
A5: as an admin, the model has worked well at the building level for PD. Ts create sessions, go where their need is
A5: Admin has to experience it as well. They need pathways.
Do it however you want, but it's about CHOICE & educators learning together
love it! Showing relevance through consensual prod....
We have one every year as part of our Inservice https://t.co/EN3KhRnfKH
A5: Administrators need to experience Edcamp.
A5 go to admin with plan of how you and other Ts can run personalized PD for them. Give them a road map to change PD
Question: Can Southerners go with ?
A5: speak up & let your voice be heard...or ask admin record pd & watch the agony
&offer suggestions https://t.co/XYeXBqNmQF
Q5: How do we convince admins at all levels to create do relevant (to the T) and/or for us?
I'm your 1,000th follower!
Boom! It's about choice! https://t.co/n7npTa3Chw
Do it however you want, but it's about CHOICE & educators learning together
A5 it's impossible 2 know what is relevant without experiencing it for yourself. In short, I agree they need to go experience it
I am there for porch rocking. I will bring my own rocker
Great case for video coaching...Maybe buy the book and, "leave," it in key places!
A5) Involve teachers in the decision process.
We need to let those admins know what we want.
Yes! Collaboration is the key to support learning. https://t.co/unUt7ma6B4
Provide time. Ts literally teach 90% of the day. Give them time to reflect and grow. No player can play the whole game.
but we are all not a Craig Yen's house
A5:Admins should use staff knowledge/interests to personalize PD. Staff growth is important to school culture.
A5 To convince admins re new PD requires showing both value for students AND affordability.
Also need powerpoints&charts! ;-)
exciting! Thanks for the follow
A5 This won't be popular- some staff do not seek out any PD- Staff presenting a plan of relevance-roadmap is great
Yesterday at some T's just took time out to sit and plan together. Something they don't get at school
always love your thoughts on this, Craig!
isn't that how it should be?
I sent a Google form and asked Ts what they wanted...easy, quick, and similar themes. Admin was easily convinced.
I get that, but a works in supporting teachers.
It also leads to discovering unlikely teacher leaders. I cover classes, they observe each other and learn.
Q6: In order to change PD T's have to step and lead it. Are you willing to lead? Q7 up after this.
A5 If we (Ts and Admin) want to be able to model collaboration for Ss then we should be collaborating with each other on PD
A6) Yes, I'm willing to lead it. We can change the way that PD is being delivered.
Teacher voice is important. It's a great model for giving student voice
A6 As a freshman in college, I don't think I'm ready to lead in PD change just yet. I am so anxious to get there though!
A6. Yes, I am also making sure that the PD's I create are ones I would want to attend
Teacher Leaders are vital for school culture. Our Ts are the experts!
Q7: Every school has teacher leaders who are waiting for a platform to share their craft & sharpen their leadership skills.
A7: it is so important that teachers lead their professional development. If it's imposed, it reduces the relevancy.
Sometimes Ts don't like presenting in front of peers, but will facilitate a group, open up classroom, etc.
A6 An opportunity to help is an opportunity to lead. Leadership is not about a title. Leadership is about service.
I want teachers to collectively lead the PD! Share their knowledge. Grow together https://t.co/EfjCXSV1Ex
A7: it is so important that teachers lead their professional development. If it's imposed, it reduces the relevancy.
understand but let the T leaders run out and lead to create path for others to follow so a culture is created
Just so you know some of us believe that is a robot because he seems to never sleep. :-)
A6:Always willing to lead PD to help educators. My admin understands what I am good at and how others need to see this as well.
Q7: How can we institute 20% for teachers and would it be feasible.
A7: YES - taking the lead now & encouraging more Ts in my district to do so
For PD to "count" Ts need to be interested, invested, want to be there, want to learn, apply their learning, continue.
What? Huh? Does not compute. https://t.co/sup2MDrBrV
Just so you know some of us believe that is a robot because he seems to never sleep. :-)
Sounds like a growth plan to me. https://t.co/Kk86WDoAoC
For PD to "count" Ts need to be interested, invested, want to be there, want to learn, apply their learning, continue.
he sleeps for 45 mins a day
A6: many Ts are willing to lead, myself included, but is the admin willing to look & accept & encourage the Ts as a lead
A6 PD is indeed at its best when it pervades entire schools & is not specific to just a few teachers.
I am willing to lead here
interesting question. . Sometimes I think it could be so overwhelming/worthless they get jaded
A7: ?- Are there any districts teachers you can share who are evolving PD in ways mentioned tonight? Love to connect with them.
Now that deserves a MEME and Bumper Sticker! Very inspirational and motivating. Thank you for sharing.
A7. Yes does it for his teachers through choice based PD that they choose.
A7: Often Ts at Early College HSs have a half day per week while kids are at college classes?
Thank you so much for the encouragement! I'm so excited for the future
A7: Relevant PD is best if modeled by current practitioners. T's make the best presenters to other T's https://t.co/dKPsfvP9rE
Q6: In order to change PD T's have to step and lead it. Are you willing to lead? Q7 up after this.
A7 20% of total time or just PD?
Teachers can be the toughest audience!
https://t.co/t6CFHQPZ5k
A7: Relevant PD is best if modeled by current practitioners. T's make the best presenters to other T's https://t.co/dKPsfvP9rE
Q6: In order to change PD T's have to step and lead it. Are you willing to lead? Q7 up after this.
A7 have teachers explore something they like and share with others
A7: Weekly early release model. Many schools in Massachusetts adopted this model years ago.
Craig doesn't have time for professional development. Twitter needs him in chats.
A5: Admins need to look at things from the Ts perspective first
this is an example of one of those Sunday night twitter ed chats I was telling u about click the #
look at with work. Bringing in teachers voice. Just had amazing PD on Friday.
Lots of my presenting feedback is just, "It was so nice hearing from an ACTUAL teacher."
A6: I'm learning a lot about PD in college now, so I'm sure I will be able to lead in the future!
to me this is why they are the best presenters. Lead the type of PD you would want to attend! #
exactly@Seguin_B! end of the yr tech academy,only used our Ts to lead sessions,been optional&half of Ts in district attending
It's hard not to be when you've had to sit through lots of nonsense in the past. Let's rewrite the story of PD!
Q8: What is your take away from tonight.
I love the Andy Griffith show. I was in Mateo when he died. Great human
A8: that I still learn & grow w/ my tweeps & I want this passion to carry over into all my Ts
A7:As Edtechies here, we need to identify more of us to show our organizations, districts, and schools what can be possible.
Look at that real-world modeling!
Learn how to spell it before you make fun of the Tar Heel State. 😂
A8) Teachers need to take charge of their PD. We need to provide leadership opportunities and design PD to fit their needs.
A8: We need to build teacher capacity in this area
A8 more people need to go to edcamps. Get a state van and make it a fun journey. Steal a bus if you have to
Not making fun harking back to a simpler time. :-)
A8:Need to help my colleagues see what is out there for PD and having them help me in bringing it back to our school.
A7: Teaching is stuck in the agrarian model. Time to grow. Time in the week must be made for PD, reflection and collaboration.
A8: The best PD is PD that meets the needs of the learner. Taking them from their point A to their point B,not someone else's.
A8 Teacher collaboration can change the face of education.
, , Monta Ellis , Dion Waiters , , Anthony Davis , Bolivia , ,
no in fact if we spent more time in our Ss shoes then we might see more changes faster
Thanks so much for the conversation this evening.
A8: We realize this is a problem. Pyramid structures aren't the solution. Need to deconstruct the old model and dream anew.
A8: Adult Learning is similar to student learning - Choice, Voice, Collaborative, Movement, Relevance, Transformative, & Focused
Join next week (Sunday 8:00 PM EST) Topic: Igniting your S.H.I.N.E with guest co-host
Thanks to for lending his expertise tonight & for giving me the idea to try PD or
A8 Key take-away: Districts need guidance re: effective PD & its importance for all teachers . . . and for the students' sake.
Thank you so much for an amazing chat! This was a wonderful experience.
Thanks, every1. First twitter chat, out of classroom for years…nice way to continue to get ready!
Happy to be here Thanks for considering better ways to get PD & move toward https://t.co/wnIC9GJaaB
Thanks to for lending his expertise tonight & for giving me the idea to try PD or
This quote is so powerful-certainly something I plan to keep in mind!
Thks 4 a great chat now go out and change PD & join us next week for Igniting your S.H.I.N.E with guest co-host
A8: my takeaway from tonight is the importance of engaging PD for Ts!
