Effective Professional Learning: ePortfolios
We’ve all been to workshops that leave us wondering… What did I just sit through? How is this helpful to my students? Year after year we jump through the hoops of “professional development,” continue to complain and continue to do nothing about it. Now, I realize we should no longer settle for doing things because “it’s how they have always been done;” rather, let’s be the ones to change it.
Let’s start with what we (teachers) need. We need professional learning opportunities that will teach us what teaching looks like in the 21st century (Gulamhussein, 2013). We need hands-on experiences, ongoing support, and time to implement new ideas. Ultimately, we need to learn new practices that will impact student achievement. I will no longer be content sitting on the sidelines waiting for this change to occur.
The first step is to address administration regarding the need for change with our current professional learning model.
Now that my administration is on board, I’m happy to say I can move forward with planning my own professional learning sessions in order to bring my disruptive innovation to life.
While I was never content with the professional development offered, I also never thought to create my own. This course has allowed me to delve into an area that is in dire need of a revolution. The following is a brief outline of PL sessions for an entire school year:
BHaG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal): Teachers will create their own learning ePortfolios in order to apply them in their individual classrooms. In addition to the outlined monthly professional learning sessions, collaboration and troubleshooting with colleagues throughout the year will improve the quality of classroom instruction, and student engagement by focusing on COVA (choice, ownership, voice, authenticity) through ePortfolios.
Time: This PL plan has been designed to meet formally once a month, with hopes of teachers meeting together during common planning blocks or after school from 2-3 as needed. The initial meeting in September will be 3 hours on one of the staff days before students begin. While most other sessions will be shorter one hour meetings, we will have the opportunities for longer sessions on half days.
Collaboration: This hands-on approach to learning will create more opportunities for teachers to collaborate. By focusing on creating a learning environment to promote and model collaboration, it is my hope for teachers to create PLCs in order to develop their own understanding.
Leader: While I will lead the initial sessions, it is my hope that others will eventually step into the role during breakout sessions by sharing new ideas and activities. I also have the help of an amazing technology coach who has been integral in this planning.
Audience and their needs: This year the audience will be 10th grade teachers (11 gen ed teachers and 2 special ed teachers) with anticipation of including the whole ELA department (24) the following school year. Naturally, some people are more comfortable with new technology – these individuals will be great peer mentors. Teachers will be encouraged to use this for their yearly PLP (professional learning plan) which is part of their evaluations.
The following slide deck will be available for participants to view during and after learning sessions. I’ve chosen to include all sessions in one place for easy access. Additionally, changes can be made based on the needs of participants.
The following 3 Column Table will help learners see at-a-glance what will be expected of them for each session. The activities and assessments will help us achieve our Big Hairy Audacious Goal.
Imagine a room full of teachers who are excited to be involved in professional learning. With the right approach, it can happen. But like any change, this will take time and effort. Why not be the one to start the revolution?
References
Gulamhussein, A. (2013, September). 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