Why is CPD broken, and what can be done to fix it?
May 9, 2025
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The hosts dive into the launch of an innovative online platform aimed at revolutionizing Continuing Professional Development for educators. They critically reflect on the current state of CPD, pointing out its disconnect from practical classroom needs. There's also a lively banter on measuring sizes using rulers that takes a humorous turn. Additionally, they explore shared parental leave in education, discussing its benefits and the importance of raising awareness about related policies. It's a mix of insightful critiques and light-hearted conversations.
Carousel Teaching aims to transform CPD by providing practical, action-oriented training that enhances classroom performance for educators.
The podcast critiques traditional CPD programs for failing to meet teachers' actual needs, often emphasizing theory over applicable strategies.
A discussion on shared parental leave highlights its flexible nature, empowering educators to make informed decisions about their time off.
Deep dives
Launch of Carousel Teaching Platform
A new online teaching platform called Carousel Teaching is introduced, designed to enhance professional development (CPD) for educators. It aims to address the shortcomings of traditional CPD by offering more practical, actionable learning opportunities. The creators emphasize the importance of quality over quantity in teacher training, questioning the effectiveness of many existing CPD programs. By focusing on concrete teaching strategies, Carousel Teaching seeks to help teachers improve their classroom performance and effectiveness.
Challenges with Traditional CPD
The discussion critiques the prevalent view that CPD sessions—often driven by overarching educational theories—fail to lead to tangible improvements in teaching practices. Specific examples highlight scenarios where CPD is delivered without considering the actual needs of the teachers. Cases are presented where teachers receive theoretical instruction on methods like adaptive teaching but fail to implement them effectively in their classrooms. This disconnect underscores the need for CPD that is contextually relevant and practical, allowing teachers to apply what they learn immediately.
Concrete Teaching Strategies
Carousel Teaching's courses focus on giving teachers practical skills through a structured framework that includes video demonstrations, modeling, and quizzes. For instance, the 'Smashing Your Starter' course examines the crucial first few minutes of a lesson, demonstrating effective strategies through various examples. This course utilizes video footage of real classroom interactions, allowing teachers to observe and dissect successful practices in action. Such an approach aims to ensure teachers have a clear understanding of techniques they can implement in their own classrooms.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
The podcast addresses misconceptions surrounding shared parental leave (SPL) in the education sector, shedding light on the flexible nature of SPL. It clarifies that both parents do not need to be on SPL at the same time, and that leave can be divided into multiple blocks rather than taken continuously. This flexibility allows parents to plan their time off in a way that is suitable for their specific circumstances, ensuring they can balance work commitments with family life. An emphasis is placed on advocating for one's rights regarding parental leave and making educated choices based on legal entitlements.
Importance of Teacher Empowerment
The episode emphasizes the moral obligation to support teachers through effective professional development and parental leave policies. By highlighting the need for substantial and meaningful support systems, the discussion reinforces that improving teaching practices ultimately benefits students and educational outcomes as a whole. Sharing personal experiences and challenges helps to elevate the conversation around what teachers face, advocating for a culture that respects and responds to their professional needs. The creators express their passion for fostering an environment where teachers feel empowered and equipped to grow in their roles.
In this episode, Adam and Amy delve into the launch of Carousel's new CPD offering, Carousel Teaching. They also take another look at Adolescence and shared parental leave.
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