E. Options for Providing Professional Development - Modes for Delivering Instruction
In addition to considering the level of outcome for the professional development you should also determine how you want to present the information (the mode for delivery). We are going to talk about 3 modes of delivering professional development; self study, the mentoring partnership and organized instruction.
Self study is an individual endeavor using an Action Planning process based on identified needs. Options include:
- The computer or a web-based course. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) has on-line courses, workshops and web seminars covering a variety of topics. Unfortunately, these cost from around $120 to $200 each. In addition, there are many other sites that are available that provide information and training on a variety of topics.
- Professional journals or other sources.
The Mentoring Partnership utilizes a team endeavor using an Action Planning process based on identified needs. An example of an action plan is included in your workbook (use the Bridges Implementation Plan). Examples of strategies that could be used as part of the mentoring partnership include: Coaching, Demonstration or Observation
Organized instruction includes either developing your own or using existing training opportunities. You can access training available through your district or utilize training that is available from outside sources.
Teaching Research has developed a process for the design, development and evaluation of continuing professional development efforts. This model is called the Teaching Research Inservice Model (TRIM). TRIM is a nationally validated process and is based on best practices in the fields of adult learning and training. As your district develops training or if you use training developed by others outside your district you may want to see that they include these key components.
TRIM key components.
- Identify participant needs through some type of assessment process - this adds relevancy to the topic of the training.
- Determine/develop training outcomes - identifies what the participant will be able to do as a result of the training and determines the level of the training (awareness, knowledge, or skill).
- Determine/develop training objectives - the objectives provide the framework upon which the content of the training will be built.
- Determine/develop training activities - the activities comprise the content of the training (i.e., readings, videos, demonstration, role play, etc.)
- Determine/develop evaluation measures - evaluation is a measure of how well the participant must do to assure the trainers that they have successfully acquired the content of the training objective.
- Determine/develop the follow-up support needed - follow-up activities are what assistance the participant needs to support implementation of skills learned during the training.
Closing Thoughts
During this section, we have presented options for providing professional development. We have shared information about three different levels of outcomes and possible activities for each of levels as well as possible ways of delivering the instruction.
