How to be present in your professional development
Jul 6, 2024
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Adam Smith, a dedicated Year five teacher in London, joins Chris Such, an author and part-time ambition instituter, alongside Deputy Head Tom Oakley from Cambridgeshire, and German teacher Sebastian Donath. They dive into the necessity of taking charge of one’s professional development. Key discussions include the balance between personal life and teaching, maximizing time through productivity tools, and the role of mentorship in growth. The conversation also touches on leveraging social media for learning and the joy of engaging formats like podcasts for professional advancement.
Taking control of professional development empowers teachers to target their growth areas, enhancing motivation and learning outcomes.
Intrinsic motivation significantly increases the effectiveness of professional development when teachers follow their genuine interests rather than mandated training.
Utilizing social media and educational networks facilitates greater access to resources and community support for continuous professional enhancement.
Deep dives
The Importance of Self-Directed Professional Development
Being involved in professional development is essential for teachers who aspire to improve their craft. Engaging actively allows teachers to identify their strengths and weaknesses, empowering them to seek out specific areas for improvement. Rather than waiting for directives from others, teachers benefit from taking the initiative to explore resources, workshops, and expert guidance that resonate with their personal teaching goals. This self-directed approach enhances motivation and investment, leading to more meaningful and relevant development experiences.
The Role of Motivation in Professional Growth
Intrinsic motivation plays a crucial role in how teachers engage with their professional development. When educators choose what they wish to learn about and pursue that knowledge out of genuine interest, they often find the process enjoyable and fulfilling. Conversely, mandated training sessions can feel like chores, hindering effective learning and application within the classroom. Thus, facilitating a culture that nurtures self-selection can elevate the enjoyment and effectiveness of professional growth.
Navigating the Early Stages of Teaching
Early-career teachers tend to experience rapid growth due to their receptiveness to new ideas and the significant improvements they see in their practice. This phase is marked by excitement and a willingness to absorb external guidance, which can lead to remarkable strides in teaching efficacy. As teachers gain experience, there can be a stagnation in growth, necessitating a renewed focus on continuous learning and development. This perspective encourages all educators, regardless of experience, to seek out professional development that aligns with their evolving needs.
Balancing Professional Development with Personal Life
Finding time for professional development amidst busy teaching schedules and personal lives poses a challenge for many educators. Strategies such as multitasking—listening to podcasts while performing household chores or commuting—can help integrate learning into daily routines. According to some educators, embracing flexibility and recognizing periods of high interest can also lead to more meaningful engagement with professional resources. This balance ensures that teachers maintain a healthy work-life equilibrium while pursuing their passion for developing their teaching skills.
Leveraging Community and Resources for Growth
Utilizing social media and educational networks significantly enhances a teacher’s access to informational resources and professional guidance. Platforms like Twitter and collaborative forums enable educators to connect with experts, share experiences, and ask questions about specific pedagogical strategies. This not only facilitates knowledge sharing but also creates opportunities for educators to participate in broader conversations around educational research and best practices. Establishing these connections fosters a culture of support and continuous professional enhancement that benefits the entire teaching community.
Episode 184: This week onThinking Deeply about Primary Education Adam Smith, Tom Oakley, Sebastian Donath and Chris Such join me for a truly fascinating exploration of how and why we should aim to take control of our own professional development. Previously only available via Ko-Fi, this episode was recorded in December 2022 as part of the 12-hour stream for Velindre Cancer Centre but it has aged like fine wine.
As part of the chat we discuss...
Why should we take control?
How can we take control?
How can we find the time?
Where do we go to improve our subject and pedagogical content knowledge?
...and much, much more.
If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape.
If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at thinkingdeeplyinfo@gmail.com or join our Discord server, where we have a special channel for unseen question submission.
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