Breaking the Cycle
A Call to Transform Professional Learning
My Why
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Professional learning in our organization has relied on compliant, sit-and-get training sessions that fail to influence lasting change in practice. This is especially noticeable in my efforts to implement automation in Banner for financial aid staff. Traditional training methods often end with low engagement, lack of hands-on training, and minimal long-term impact. Staff members often leave training sessions with vast amounts of information without the support or confidence that is needed to effectively implement automation tools in their everyday workflows.
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If we want to maximize efficiency, reduce manual processes, and enhance student support, we must adopt a go and show model of professional learning that consists of hands-on training, collaboration, and ongoing support. This will make sure that financial aid staff can successfully integrate automation into the Banner system, and also drive greater productivity, accuracy, and overall job satisfaction.
My What
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I created a presentation to convey why we need a better professional learning model, using research and real-world examples. Looking at Duarte’s storytelling techniques, highlight the problems with passive learning and the benefits of taking on a hands-on approach. By using effective visuals, concise messaging, and supporting resources, this presentation will focus on the challenges and missed opportunities to encourage action. Applying the five key principles of effective professional learning will promote a model that supports growth, builds teamwork, applies to daily work, uses data for improvement, and meets individual needs.
​My How
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I designed my presentation using Google Slides which provided a clean layout for clarity and visual impact. Google Slides allows for easy updates and sharing, making this presentation usable for future discussions and professional development. For my video, I used the YouTube platform to record and upload my reflection video. I built the content around the five key principles of professional learning and Duarte’s “What Is vs. What Could Be” methods to focus on the shift from a passive “sit and do” approach to a “go and show” perspective. Each slide was designed to show supporting ideas and provide a foundation that supports the overall message of the presentation.
References
Brown, D. (2023). Support staff in a school need professional learning too. Learning Forward. https://learningforward.org/journal/the-time-dilemma/support-staff-in-a-school-need-professional-learning-too/
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Butzin, S. (2007, April 25). For technology to work, ‘sit & git’ model must go. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/education/opinion-for-technology-to-work-sit-n-git-model-must-go/2007/04
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Desimone, L. M. (2009, April). Improving impact studies of teachers’ professional development: Toward better conceptualizations and measures. Educational Researcher, 38(3), 181–199. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X08331140
Duarte Inc. (2009, December 16). What are some tips for presentation design?. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/hT9GGmundag?si=oZA5W3KCgu0YMpVV
Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the Teachers Effective Professional Development in an Era of High Stakes Accountability. Center for Public Education. Retrieved from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/system/files/2013-176_ProfessionalDevelopment.pdf
Joyce, B., & Showers, B. (2002). Student achievement through staff development. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
Knight, J. (2007). Instructional coaching: A partnership approach to improving instruction. Corwin Press.
TNTP. (2015). The Mirage: Confronting the Hard Truth About Our Quest for Teacher Development. Retrieved from http://tntp.org/publications/view/evaluation-and-development/the-mirageconfronting-the-truth-about-our-quest-for-teacher-development