Key Elements to Quality PD

Something that has become apparently clear to me is just how critical I am of professional development. I always feel that PD needs to be worthwhile, allowing me and those in attendance to leave with at least one AHA moment or takeaway.  

Sadly, I took part in a professional development the other day where I actually felt uncomfortable.  The speaker provided a number of video examples and had each of the groups pair share (all strategies that I am fine with and would do in my own presentations).  What separated this presenter from the rest was the fact that he would then tell the audience he wanted people to come up to the front microphone and share out their thoughts.  At first you had one or two individuals (myself being one of them, because I can't take awkward silence) who would go up front to share at the microphone.  It then got to the point where he told the audience he was embarrassed for us and had excellent wait time (bad move).  This is when the audience shut down.

As I prepare for an upcoming PD session, one of the things I try to identify are the specific needs within grade levels and content areas.  This can many times become complicated when there are so many areas that need to be addressed in addition to annual state mandated trainings.  

1. Know Your Audience. - When preparing for a professional development session it needs to be planned specifically for your audience.  If possible, being able to identify where their current knowledge base is - can provide insight into areas that need to be addressed and areas that aren't necessary.

2. What's the Take Away? - Whenever I prepare for / or attend a workshop I am always looking for the take away.  If I'm able to go back and put to use one thing I learned from a workshop - it is workshop worthwhile.  This is what I look for when preparing workshops and ensuring that there are multiple resources that the participants can immediately put to use - should they choose.

3. When in doubt, change it out! - Although a lot of time goes into planning workshops and professional development sessions - sometimes things don't always go as planned.  One of the greatest qualities I find in teachers is when they are able to identify that something isn't working.  When this is realized , it's a prime opportunity to modify the lesson / workshop to meet the needs of the audience.  

Three things that I believa all presenters should focus on when providing professional development are :

1. Know your audience.

2. What's the take away?

3. When in doubt, change it out!