What Really Works? Collaborative Discussion- 5389

Blended or Hybrid learning is gaining momentum given that the internet and technology have become part and parcel of education. Kristin Daniels is convinced that teachers must embrace technology to take education to the next level. According to Kristin, teachers have the power to push the boundaries (TEDx Talks, 2013). Most professional learning (PL) programs are ineffective because they prioritize students and ignore teachers. Jacob and McGovern (2015) noticed that many districts invested in teacher improvement projects but experienced minimal improvement. Besides, PL does not have effective evaluation metrics.

Generally, I am a millennial grounded in internet and computer technology. I identify with Caro, who Kristin described as a “highflyer teacher who effectively uses technology” in education. I am an intellectual-type teacher innovating the classroom to accomplish objectives. My colleagues are technician-type teachers. According to Gulamhussein (2013), technician-type teachers rely on workshops and coaching. School districts spend professional learning dollars on teacher training, mentorship, and evaluation (Jacob & McGovern, 2015). Besides, some school districts also use the money to offer ongoing teacher-embedded experiences. According to Jacob and McGovern (2015), in the United States, the government uses about $8 billion in PL yearly for 50 school districts.

The five PL principles, (1) duration, (2) support, (3) engagement, (4) modeling, and (5) content-specific, will generate a significant impact on teacher development. According to Gulamhussein (2013), PD Principle I (Duration) will extend learning duration to enhance teacher change and boost student learning. The second and third principles will increase support and boost engagement, respectively. The fourth and fifth principles will help teachers understand new practices and gain learner-specific content. The school allows teachers to utilize the necessary technology and skills to accomplish objectives. Face-to-face or in-class learning remains effective when combined with online learning. My organization is “fully” open to alternative approaches explaining why my colleagues practice blended learning.

I can promote blended learning (a form of PL) in my organization by encouraging colleagues to adhere to the new instructional approach. I can use the PL Principle II to support and help my colleagues navigate frustration induced by new instructional design. I can also ensure that teaching equipment and related technologies contain class- or learner-specific content. Mirage report’s review is critical in every potential teacher’s life since it simplifies the original information. The review is essential since it captures how education stakeholders can re-invent professional development (Hill, 2015). For instance, the audience can realize the importance of re-setting norms. The document is divided into seven sections explaining everything in simple terms.

Generally, being familiar with the Standards for Professional Learning can help me understand the characteristics or features of professional learning. The Standards plus Quick Reference Guide can help me use appropriate educational technology based on learner needs. Most of all, the Standards are crucial in determining proper supportive leadership.

References

Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the teachers: Effective professional development in an era of high stakes accountability. Alexandria, VA: National School Boards Association. Center for Public Education. Retrieved from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/research/teaching-teachers-effective-professional-development or http://conference.ohioschoolboards.org/2017/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2016/07/1pm111317A114Job-embedPD.pdf

Hill, H. C. (2015). Review of The Mirage: Confronting the hard truth about our quest for teacher development. Boulder, CO: National Education Policy Center. https://nepc.colorado.edu/sites/default/files/ttr_hill_tntp_mirage.pdf

Jacob, A., & McGovern, K. (2015). The Mirage: Confronting the Hard Truth About Our Quest for Teacher Development. TNTP. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED558206.pdf

TEDx Talks. (2013). Empowering the teacher technophobe: Kristin Daniels at TEDxBurnsvilleED [video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puiNcIFJTCU&t=208s or https://youtu.be/puiNcIFJTCU