lmmaine's Blog

What is considered professional development needs to be overhauled. Many would argue that reading blogs, study groups, independent study is not effective (someone will always find the easy route through) but so is mandatory pd sessions where teachers bring work with them and nod their head from time to time. Broaden the opportunities and sources for professional development - can teachers be made to do this on their summers? As in the best AP classes where they have required summer reading before school starts, should not teachers?

As a High School Bio teacher, I have not looked as tools that way. I focus on content and the best way to deliver it. I avoid paper or hand in folders, but wikis, blogs, and the like. When they demonstrate knowledge on say... cells... they have requirements through a cell portfolio that allows reflection and distribution of their learning. I have a requirement of powerful, meaningful, engaging communication (something along that line) in the rubric that can be achieved through powerpoint, a simple wiki page, voicethread, etc. Flashy does not mean engaging in these assignments. If they are stellar writers, their wiki page is engaging, etc. Students try new media and learn where they excel. We practice a variety of tools in smaller assignments in order to provide an introduction. Not really a reward, and I guess it is mandatory, but students find their own success.

Can individual teachers coaching another to improve instruction be enough change? It is slow, but more rewarding, and a model of the way we should be working with all students (if class numbers are low enough). Feeling empowered in a great motivator. How do we find what motivates our students? I remember working with one boy a few years ago and he was really doing well despite years of failures. When I told him he should be very proud of himself and his parents should too, he replied that his parents really did not care what he did. How do we break through the baggage and problems kids bring with them? (there is a lot here)

Scott,

This is great! How many times have teachers bemoaned the fact that students did poorly on a assessment but they move on to the next topic anyway? Teachers need to become researchers and follow problem solving methods in order to improve instruction and teaching practice. Are pre-service teachers being taught this?

As a teacher who does that and presents at local conferences, I am always asked how much work it actually takes. Generally it is the same, though the work is on the front end and not on grading mounds of work. I am frustrated that they do not see the gains of student understanding to be worth it. It must be easier to grab papers out of the file cabinet (as well as continue to call Johnnies parents because of his lack of completion of useless work).

What is funny is that most teachers are poor learners and do not work to improve practice, yet that is what they want their students to do.

Ask any Life Skills student how to tell if there is a good teacher: The students are busy and working and having fun!

Louise