Tired of the Same Old Professional Development? Let Students Lead. — from edsurge.com by Matt Homrich-Knieling
Excerpts (emphasis DSC):
Despite my love for learning, I strongly disliked most professional development sessions. The way sessions were facilitated often contradicted research-based teaching strategies. It is also frustrating when pre-packaged PD sessions are disconnected from your specific school context and student population.
To most teachers, this critique isn’t surprising. PD has a bad reputation in education circles, and it isn’t because teachers are resistant to professional learning. On the contrary, teachers want professional learning that is practical, engaging and relevant.
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A group of students from the club met with the principal and explained their idea for leading a PD on building classroom community and supporting student self-confidence.
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“Think about times when you lacked community or self-confidence in class. What did the teacher do/not do that led you to that experience? On the other hand, think about times when you felt a great sense of community or self-confidence in class. What did the teacher do/not do that led you to that experience?”
From DSC:
“On the contrary, teachers want professional learning that is practical, engaging and relevant.“
Hmmm…sounds like what students want as well.