CSLE for Professional Development

"Play is our brain's favourite way of learning."

Diane Ackerman

"Sit & Get" for Professional Development (PD) has been the traditional format for a long time. Teachers often leave with no more information than they came in with. PD sessions must follow the same principles we try to adopt for our students, so significant learning environments must be created for educators.

PDs must be learner-centered. Recognizing that every teacher has strengths and weaknesses, they need to grow in different areas. The PD should be specific to what she/he needs.

Teachers should have the freedom to act and experiment within certain boundaries. Explore their passions and imagination, and allow experimentation to create innovative ways to help students develop their full potential.

Moreover, teachers need support when implementing a new strategy in the classroom, so it is crucial to receive coaching and follow-ups.

Collaboration is also essential for an effective PL. Allowing teachers to get together, group according to their expertise, and be coached could be more effective than just listening to an expert speaker. School districts should allow time for teachers to get together as part of their PD to share what is working and what is not.

To prepare students with 21st-century skills, we also need support to keep up with technology. Modeling technology tools during PD sessions could be helpful for educators. Learning to use technology meaningfully, like integrating students’ personal devices (mobile phones) in the classroom.

Adding an active learning activity or component to a course does not improve learning. It requires authentic learning environments that provide freedom of action within certain boundaries and structures, including play, imagination, and collaboration. When we play, we engage in passion; with imagination, we can create in the face of obstacles.

References

Harapnuik, D. (Retrieved on 2017, February 5). CSLE [Web log comment]. Retrieved from https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=849

Innovation That Sticks Case Study - OCSB: Collaborative Professional Development

https://youtu.be/iUusuw-xdr4

Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. Lexington, KY: CreateSpace.

Image

https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/previews/000/396/264/original/kids-learning-and-playing-illustration-vector.jpg