PD Survey Data
So far an impressive 68 educators have participated in a short professional development survey I put together. 52 from PA (I did email all 200 of my co-workers) and a few from as far away as California and Washington. Needless to say I am pleased and I do have ample data to make some broad conclusions about professional development as it is currently provided.
One anomaly that puzzles me is in the response to questions #3: What types of training is provided most often? Behavioral, Pedagogical, Adminstrative, Technological
It is entirely possible that this question is poor, but if 70% of the participants feel they are being provided with pedagogical training then where is the disconnect? My district is obsessed with behavioral issues. We do not have a behavior problem per say, but we often find ourselves in program after program focusing on the “proper” way to “deal” with the children of today. In no way am I discounting any of these programs. Some of them have teachers raving; I am just trying to illustrating my point. My district spent the entire 2006-2007 school year on behavioral issues and, in my mind, sacrificed teaching skills. (I suppose were supposed to already have that down already, right?)
I do find some clues in the 5th question that was an open ended response to: What would encourage you to participate in more PD? The answers range from more money to small group collaboration, but the common thread that runs throughout 90% of the responses is relevance. Relevance to “my” classroom, “my” situation, or dealing “real” classroom issues. I believe these teachers are asking for more pedagogical training and, of course, that coincides with the overwhelming feeling the 75% of of feel disconnected from the professional development process.
Although, quick and dirty, I feel this survey has merit. Teachers are not engaged in professional development the way it is offered today. They want choice, they want personal relevance, and this should be to know one’s surprise, they want more.
I look forward to taking this information and applying it to my situation as a new technology integrator at my district. I will differentiate, I will use small groups and online collaboration, but most of all I heed the words of one participant and provide refreshments, numerous breaks…and treat you like adults.
Punch and pie anyone?
