Strengths
PD - experience, likely to have seen & anticipated problems and
head them off.
Potentially more knowledgable about educational applications of
new technology than colleagues, who may be relatively new to
the tools.
Independent person, may be more respected among some
colleagues b/c of non 'peer-ness'.
Opportunities
Weaknesses
$ - this would be another expense in what is already going to be a
costly endeavor.
The hiring a consultant would potentially bypass some
opportunities of teaching colleagues who could certainly learn
more through preparing to instruct other colleagues to use new
technology.
Could be seen as an outsider from some colleagues, who may
interpret instruction as 'being told what to do', which would foster
resentment. - So clearly the personality and competence of the
consultant is vital.
Threats
Analysis of: Professional Development via Teachers Teaching Teacher
Strengths
High alliteration quotient in 'Teachers Teaching Teachers', but
possible copyright infringement case from MCRC
The 'instructors' will most likely have recently been in the same
position as the learners so they may have a better sense of the
perspective of the new learners than a consultant.
The 'instructors' will likely learn more through preparing to teach
the content themselves. Hiring a consultant would potentially
bypass some of these opportunities.
More opportunity to customize instruction for each teacher by
having more teachers
Instructors' would have the benefit of knowing the clientele--both
teachers and students
Opportunities
Save some money?
Capiatlize on opportunity to know what colleagues are doing
The 'instructors' will likely learn more through preparing to teach
the content themselves. This is an opporunity to achieve mastery
of the new technology for some.
ment via Teachers Teaching Teachers.
Weaknesses
A consultant may have more experience, and be likely to have
seen & anticipated problems unforeseen by someone who is new
at teaching the new technology.
A consultant could potentially be more knowledgable about
educational applications of new technology than colleagues, who
may be relatively new to the tools.
For some, being taught by a peer rather than an outside specialist
may put them on the defensive
A consultant may be more saavy in deflecting resistance among
some faculty members who may view the process as 'yet another
thing' to learn.
Threats
Teachers who feel insecure about their lack of knowledge in front
of other teachers
Feeling that the instruction isn't professional enough
...or too localized which misses the opportunity to learn from
outside
Analysis of: Professional Development time frame: summer
Strengths
Schedule constraints of day to day class preparation
responsibilities are likely MUCH less intense.
More time to play, plan and explore integrating the new
technological tool into one's practice.
Morale may be higher during summer for teaching colleagues who
may be resistant to 121, without stress of daily teaching
responsibilities.
Opportunities
Seeing colleagues in the summer
ment time frame: summer
Weaknesses
Teaching colleagues may interpret summer PD as encroachment
on time off, as it likely will be a significant amount of time, and
require people to be in the area around school.
Morale may be lower during summer for teaching colleagues who
are resistant to the change because of the different
responsibilities that go along with significant summer PD.
Threats
Seeing colleagues in the summer (ed. - Adam did not write this.
Adam loves all colleagues. )
Analysis of: Professional Development Time Frame: School Year.
Strengths
Instruction direct to action--the guinea pigs are in place
This heads off any pushback on having additional summer
commitments
Can be more of a feeling that teachers have to accomplish things
quickly--more off the hook
Can consider having a more focused PD after a year of 'free play'
Opportunities
ment Time Frame: School Year.
Weaknesses
Too much to add in the school year
Threats