Tag: PD

How does the concept of speed dating translate to professional learning?

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As a principal, I am always seeking new ways to engage my staff in professional conversations and learning. After brainstorming, a light bulb went off after a conversation I had with a friend about her experiences with speed dating. During our most recent professional learning time together, I paired teachers in two parallel rows and posed questions related to our school goals and SIP plan (and that were worded according to our school rock star theme).  After each question, teachers rotated and a new reflection question was posed. This activity that included 8 questions, was scheduled for 30 minutes and could be shortened or lengthened to accommodate the number of questions or time constraints.

This approach was successful for many reasons.

1. Cross-Curricular collaboration occurred across content areas and grade levels offering staff members exposure to varied perspectives and points of view.

2. Unique ideas were shared amongst staff members that may not get the opportunity to collaborate in common PLCs on a regular basis.

3. Support staff, student teachers, new teachers and veteran teachers were able to participate at equal levels.

4. Meaningful ideas and activities were shared to motivate and empower staff

5. Active learning that required participation from all staff members

11825141_1005969222768265_1015250650028177662_nQuestions Posed included:

1. As an educator, what rock star are you most like and why?

2. What is your best rock star teacher quality?

3. How will you get your temp back and get into the school groove this year?

4. How will you get your students to have more ‘voice’ and take center stage in your classroom?

5. Parent Communication is key. In what ways will you provide a ‘back stage’ pass into your classroom and learning activities this year?

6. You’re all members of VIP PLCs. How will you ensure your time together is an effective jam session?

7. Every rock star needs an entourage. What strategies will you use to foster a classroom learning community?

8. Time for special effects. What is a technology application or idea you are excited to use this year?

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Pineapple Professional Learning

I recently read Hacking Education: 10 Quick Fixes for Every School by Mark Barnes and Jennifer Gonzalez. It was a good read with some quick and effective strategies that could be easily implemented.

The book revealed 10 strategies to improve school function and efficiency:

1. Facilitate meetings “in the cloud”

2. Develop a Pineapple Chart (I’ll provide more about this in a minute)

3. Develop Teacher Quiet Zones

4. Track Records (data binders)

5. Empower Student Tech Gurus

6. Engage new teachers with Marigold Committees

7. Do the “In Class” Flip

8. Develop Book Nooks (free books for students)

9. Establish Glass Classrooms with social media (twitter, blogs, edmodo)

10. Monitor student data with a 360 Spreadsheet to get a sense of all facets of a child both academically and emotionally.

 

Of these “hacks” the Pineapple Chart stuck with me as a strategy to embed professional learning into our days without making “professional development” an event or another meeting. This concept is something I continue to develop through weekly Twitter reflections for my staff at #royalreflection, weekly memos that include “Blogs, Tweets, and Pins, Oh MY!” for staff to review, and monthly book reviews of professional readings. Most recently, I offered my staff coverage of their classroom if they had the desire to observe in a colleague’s classroom. Research supports teacher peer observations as an effective form of improving instructional practices. For this professional learning to be effective, if needs to be an embedded part of the school culture and ongoing.

This is where the Pineapple Chart comes into play. In its most simple form, the pineapple chart functions under the symbolism of the pineapple.The pineapple is a symbol of welcome. When it’s displayed on welcome mats and door hangings, the intended message is “Come in! All are welcome here!”

Pineapple Professional Learning Opportunities are a way of putting a welcome mat out for a classroom and letting others know that you’re doing something worth doing today, and if they’d like to come by to watch, your door is open!

As a result of reading this book, I created a Pineapple Chart for DGS. The pictures below show this board in our teacher work room.

The Pineapple Professional Learning Board

The Pineapple Professional Learning Board

A Sample Pineapple Post It

A Sample Pineapple Post It

Pineapple Professional Learning at DGS

Pineapple Professional Learning at DGS