Transforming Professional Learning: Promoting Effective and Relevant Development in Education

Professional Learning (PL) is a critical aspect of education. It provides opportunities for teachers to improve their practice, learn new skills, and ultimately benefit their students. However, much of the PL available could be more effective. As a result, many teachers sit through hours of professional development that doesn't apply to their practice or that they need to find engaging. So, why is most professional learning so ineffective?

One reason is that much of the available professional learning is irrelevant to teachers. Professional development and professional learning must be tailored to the specific needs of each participant. To be effective, professional learning must align with teachers' daily challenges. It will only be seen as valuable and necessary if it does.

Another reason is that there is often a need for more buy-in among teachers. Teachers must believe in what is being offered, or better yet, be involved in the planning of it. Real change is likely to occur if teachers have the opportunity to voice their needs and concerns.

So, which type of teacher are you?

Do you identify as a lifelong learner, an innovator, or a traditionalist? What about your colleagues at your organization? Identifying these types can help to tailor PD/PL to meet the specific needs of each teacher.

The Mirage report indicates that plenty of money is being spent on professional learning, but where is that money being spent? Is it spent on relevant and effective professional learning, or is it wasted on ineffective PD/PL?

The five principles of professional learning - learning communities, leadership, resources, data, and learning designs - can make a significant difference when effectively implemented. However, these principles must be grounded in research and designed for the specific needs of each participant. The duration of the PL must also be considered, and enough time must be allotted for real learning to occur.

How open is your organization to alternative approaches to development? Many alternative development methods may be more effective and engaging than traditional PD/PL. These include online learning, job-embedded learning, and coaching. Therefore, promoting these alternative forms of PL to your organization is essential.

Promoting alternative forms of PL can be challenging, but it's critical to the growth and development of our educators. One way to promote these alternative forms is to provide examples of how they have worked in other organizations. It's also essential to demonstrate how these approaches can save time and money while delivering more engaging and effective PD/PL.

It is crucial to be familiar with the Standards for Professional Learning and their Quick Reference Guide. These standards set expectations for the quality of PL and ensure that it's effective, engaging, and relevant. Knowing these standards can help us ensure that the provided PL meets the quality and effectiveness requirements.

In conclusion, effective PL is essential for the growth and development of our educators. We must ensure that the professional learning provided is relevant, engaging, and effective. We must identify the specific needs of each participant and tailor the PD/PL to meet those needs. We must be open to alternative forms of development and promote those forms in our organizations. Finally, we must be familiar with the Standards for Professional Learning and their Quick Reference Guide to ensure that the provided PL meets the requirements for quality and effectiveness.

References

Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the Teachers Effective Professional Development in an Era of High Stakes Accountability. Center for Public Education. Retrieved from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/system/files/2013-176_ProfessionalDevelopment.pdf

Heather Hill. (2015). Review of The Mirage: Confronting the Hard Truth about Our Quest for Teacher Development. Harvard Graduate School of Education. Retrieved from http://www.greatlakescenter.org/docs/Think_Twice/TT-Hill-TNTP.pdf

Standards for Professional Learning. (2011). Retrieved from https://learningforward.org/standards

Standards for Professional Learning: Quick Reference Guide. (2011). Retrieved from https://learningforward.org/docs/pdf/standardsreferenceguide.pdf?sfvrsn=0

TNTP. (2015). The Mirage: Confronting the Hard Truth About Our Quest for Teacher Development. Retrieved from http://tntp.org/publications/view/evaluation-and-development/the-mirage-confronting-the-truth-about-our-quest-for-teacher-development