ERRR #092. Harry Fletcher-Wood on Running Effective Professional Development
Jul 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Harry Fletcher-Wood, a seasoned professional development designer and former history teacher, shares his expertise on enhancing teacher training. He introduces the Catalyst Project, focusing on evidence-based strategies for teacher growth. The conversation highlights the drawbacks of traditional one-off training and advocates for a tailored, ongoing approach. Key topics include the importance of deliberate practice, authentic engagement, and feedback to foster effective learning environments. Harry emphasizes building connections among educators to promote collaboration and sustained professional development.
Acknowledging traditional custodians sets a respectful tone for discussing educational equity and social justice within the podcast.
Overwhelming workloads hinder educators' professional development, highlighting the need for concise, actionable resources like evidence-informed 'one-pages.'
The Catalyst Project exemplifies an effective model for bridging theory and practice in education through structured professional development for teachers.
Establishing clear boundaries is essential for new teachers to maintain work-life balance and navigate the complexities of the profession.
Harry emphasizes that effective professional development requires clear goals, sustained support, and a commitment to ongoing growth for educators.
Deep dives
Acknowledging the Land and History
The podcast begins with an acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land, specifically the Wurundjeri, Woiwurrung, and Boonwurrung peoples, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their ongoing connection to the land. It highlights the significance of respecting elders, both past and present, and expresses the view that sovereignty was never ceded, addressing the impacts of colonization and dispossession. This acknowledgment serves as a foundational moment for the episode, setting a respectful tone and grounding the conversation in the historical context of Indigenous rights. By starting with this respect for Indigenous culture, the episode positions itself within a broader dialogue about educational equity and social justice.
The Struggles of Teacher Workload
One of the significant challenges highlighted is the overwhelming workload faced by educators, which acts as a barrier to their professional development. Teachers often find themselves too busy, making it difficult to engage with needed educational research to enhance their classroom practices. This workload issue underscores the importance of creating concise and actionable resources that can fit into the limited time teachers have. The episode introduces the concept of 'one-pages,' which are evidence-informed summaries designed to present essential teaching strategies in an accessible format, allowing busy educators to reflect on their practices without being overwhelmed.
Introducing Evidence-Informed Summaries
The discussion introduces Jamie Clark's book, 'Teaching One Pages,' which features over 50 concise summaries aimed at supporting educators in reflecting on their teaching practice. These one-page resources are not only concise but also evidence-informed, making them a valuable tool for busy educational professionals. The podcast hosts endorse the book for its practicality and the value it brings, highlighting its role in facilitating professional development discussions among educators. By promoting such resources, the episode addresses teacher's needs for effective and time-efficient tools to enhance pedagogical knowledge.
Catalyst Project's Role in Education
The Catalyst Project, discussed in the episode, is introduced as an evidence-based initiative transforming educational practices within schools in Australia. It aims to bridge the gap between the science of learning and practical teaching strategies by providing direct support and training to teachers. The project emphasizes a structured approach to professional development, making it accessible and impactful for educators. With a vision to improve teaching quality and student outcomes, Catalyst draws on both local and international expertise to promote effective teaching practices in classrooms.
The Importance of Setting Boundaries for New Teachers
Listeners receive vital advice on the necessity for new teachers to establish clear boundaries within their roles. The podcast emphasizes that 44% of jobs are at risk of automation, prompting a deeper discussion on how to navigate the complexities and pressures of the teaching profession. Setting boundaries becomes essential for maintaining work-life balance and managing stress, ultimately impacting one's ability to focus on student learning and growth. The importance of these boundaries frames the broader conversation about the sustainability of educators' careers and their well-being in the profession.
The Conversation with Harry Fletcher-Wood
This particular episode features a rich conversation with Harry Fletcher-Wood, a history teacher and education researcher focused on effective professional development (PD). Harry shares his insights based on his extensive experience, highlighting what constitutes effective PD and how it can be aligned with teachers' needs. The depth of knowledge that Harry brings not only enhances the discussion but serves as a reference point for educators seeking to improve their teaching practices. His reflections offer listeners a chance to consider how they can positively influence their professional growth and those around them.
Key Principles of Effective Professional Development
Throughout the discussion, several key principles of effective professional development emerge, one being the importance of beginning with clear goals in mind. Harry stresses the significance of habit change, stating that PD should be designed not just to present information but to facilitate real improvements in teaching practices. The conversation emphasizes that effective PD requires organizations to think about the sustained support and structures necessary to help teachers implement changes. This introduces the notion that lasting change occurs not solely through workshops but rather through an ongoing commitment to professional growth.
Deliberate Practice and Feedback
Harry elaborates on the concept of deliberate practice, emphasizing its vital role in ensuring teachers develop specific skills effectively. Deliberate practice involves repetitive and targeted rehearsal of teaching strategies, providing teachers with the opportunity to refine their craft. Feedback plays a critical role in this process, as it allows educators to gain insight into their strengths and areas for improvement. The idea that feedback should be constructive and focused is highlighted as essential for nurturing skills and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in teaching.
Creating Engaging and Energizing Training Sessions
The importance of structuring training sessions to maintain engagement and energy is discussed, with an emphasis on creativity and adaptability. Harry suggests that facilitators should think about the narrative arc of a session, ensuring there are emotional peaks and moments of reflection to keep participants invested. The conversation highlights the value of incorporating interactive elements, such as small group discussions or quick reflection activities, to break monotony and maintain energy levels. This approach creates an environment where teachers feel engaged and motivated to contribute, enhancing the overall impact of the training.
The Call for Reflection and Improvement in Education
The episode concludes with a strong call to action for educators to continually reflect on their practices and seek improvement opportunities. Harry urges teachers to embrace the idea that they are lifelong learners and should always strive to develop new techniques and strategies. By fostering a mindset of growth and adaptability, educators can better navigate the challenges they face in the classroom. This ongoing commitment to personal and professional development not only boosts individual teaching efficacy but also contributes to a more positive and effective educational environment.
