What+the+studies+say

= Research into running effective PD = As part of a paper I took on leading ICT in a school, I completed an action research project where I did a literature review around running effective ICT PD.

The following is a summary of my findings:

1. The biggest obstacle to teachers using technology in classrooms is adequate teacher training. 2. Teacher need chances to work on a skill with feedback from a skilled observer. 3. Well designed workshops: 4. One shot workshops have not been shown to be truly effective. Instead workshops need to be: 5. If sessions are led by a respected fellow teacher, participants are less likely to feel ‘put upon’ when doing volunteer workshops and teachers feel more comfortable working with them. Follow-up support is also easier. 6. Workshops work well if designed using the following steps: 7. Some things to consider to follow when running a workshop are:
 * offer depth and focus
 * provide adequate opportunities for practice and grappling with ideas
 * involve doing real work instead of being "talked at”
 * provide opportunities for consultation with colleagues and experts
 * make possible follow-up classroom consultation and coaching
 * part of well-planned, ongoing professional development program that is tied to the school's curriculum goals
 * designed with built-in evaluation, and sustained by adequate financial and staff support
 * survey needs of the staff
 * plan a series of workshops allowing time for staff to implement their learning in-between workshops
 * be aware of staff attitudes and work just as much on changing negative attitudes as building skills
 * ensure teachers see the value of the technology in relation to student achievement
 * ensure teachers see how to integrate the technology
 * make each workshop bite-sized and manageable
 * allow plenty of time in each session for hands-on experience
 * be aware that the participants are all individuals with individual needs
 * build in an evaluation of the workshop to monitor the effectiveness of the workshop
 * remember that individuals at the workshop are unique, with needs, interests, and experiences particular to them
 * never ever force individuals to participate in an activity in front of the group
 * talk to participants as adults rather than talking down to them as if they are children
 * be positive towards participants and their experiences
 * acknowledge the expertise and experience of the participants
 * remember that all the participants’ have their own personal needs
 * only share well organised and legible handouts
 * don't give participants something to read and then read it to them
 * stay within the scheduled timeframe
 * remember that you have an audience
 * enjoy the workshop - don't take it so seriously that everyone (including the facilitator) cannot have fun

8. To support individuals AFTER the workshop, you can:
 * have support available when needed either from you or from other staff members
 * provide teachers with support materials
 * expect teachers to use the skill within a short time

//You can download a more in-depth write-up of this research including specific strategies I used as well as read ideas from others on the// //facilitation strategies wiki.//

Teacher inquiry is a powerful way to conduct professional development. See the section below on this form of PD.
 * Teacher Inquiry**

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