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SHIFT HAPPENS !. LEARNING CIRCLES. English Montreal School Board AQIFGA Sheraton , Laval April 18, 2013. WORKSHOP GOAL. The goal of this workshop is to introduce participants to the concept of learning circles as a
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SHIFT HAPPENS! LEARNING CIRCLES English Montreal School Board AQIFGA Sheraton , Laval April 18, 2013
WORKSHOP GOAL The goal of this workshop is to introduce participants to the concept of learning circles as a form of professional development for individuals involved in the field of education.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Definition: • the process of enhancing staff (teachers’ and administrators’) skills and competencies with the aim of improving student learning gains • Purpose: • to enable staff members to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviors required to create safe learning environments that enable all students to demonstrate higher levels of achievement
TRADITIONAL PD OFTEN… • Is fragmented and simplistic • Addresses too many topics • Lacks focus • Lacks sustained support and follow-through • Does not result in change in student achievement • Is not readily integrated with classroom practice • Relegates participants to a passive role
CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Results-driven • Focused on helping teachers become deeply immersed in subject matter and teaching methods • Curriculum-centered • Sustained, thorough and cumulative • Directly linked to what teachers do in their classrooms • Supported by administration
WHY LEARNING CIRCLES? One of the most effective forms of professional development is when teachers have opportunities to work together and learn from each other.
ACTIVITY 2 WHAT IS A LEARNING CIRCLE? • How does a learning circle differ from a discussion group? • What are the six essential condition for authentic professional development? • What role can a learning circle play in your centre?
LEARNING CIRCLES • Definition • Organization • Roles • Essential conditions
OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Teachers who participate in learning circles • Feel less isolated • Create new knowledge about teaching and learning • Have an increased understanding of the curriculum and of the roles they play in helping students learn
OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS (cont.) • Are more open to change • Are better informed and more inspired • Show more satisfaction and higher morale • Share responsibility for teaching and learning
GALILEO ADULT CENTRE LEARNING CIRCLE • Testimonials