Standards+Question+10


 * Read the Case Study regarding Design on page 23 of the NSDC Standards text handed out in class. In your PLC discuss Discussion Questions 1-3. Have a record keeper in your group synthesize your group's responses to these questions. If your group needed more information, describe what you need to know and how you would go about discovering this information. **

1. What are potential learning designs to consider in addressing specific school and district goals?

Learning designs need to be relevant to the type of goal they are attempting to effect. A learning design that is focused on large group presentation or specific training and does not incorporate a learning strategy that teachers can see modeled will be ineffective at improving the learning of all students. Modeling of strategies will give teachers a tangible means to obtain new ideas and information. A design that includes modeling will be most effective at meeting the goals the school or districts sets to improve student achievement.

2. What are some benefits and concerns associated with providing staff development 'choices' to adults?

There are several benefits to providing choices on development for staff. Teachers know best what styles they get the most out of and which areas they need to work on when it comes to development. Giving them a choice will allow the most efficient use of time and resources available for staff development.

The negatives are almost the same. Limited time available will limit the amount of follow up that can be implemented. Teachers will not be able to attend different offerings because of time constraints. Also, if a teacher does not have a good idea of their personal areas of need they may choose a development that is less effective. Cost is another issue. Offering choices will require more money. For each option, you have to factor in a cost. If 10 teachers are divided over 5 choices it will cost more than if those same 10 were attending one option.

3. What are some benefits and concerns associated with applying technology in the delivery of staff development?

Technology offers several benefits to delivering staff development. It allows for remote access to materials and courses. It provides for collaboration among staff from many locations. It provides more flexibility in the aspect of modeling of skills and strategies. Technology also makes the most efficient use of available time.

The drawbacks to technology can be just as numerous. Accountability is an issue; some teachers may not be as likely to put their best effort in the development with a nontraditional setting. Cost again is another large issue. Creating the development and hosting it costs money. So does the equipment necessary to incorporate the technology. Access can be a problem. Teachers need access to the technology with time to engage in the development. Another issue would be the fact that some teachers may not know how to use the technology needed to implement the professional development.