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PL Strategy: Connecting and Communicating Ideas

Transitioning to automation in Banner is more than just a system upgrade but it's about making our work more efficient, reducing manual tasks, and giving financial aid staff more time to focus on what matters: helping students.  I have seen how overwhelming it can be to balance daily tasks with learning new technology, which is why this professional learning strategy is designed to make the change as smooth as possible.  Providing continuous support, hands-on training, and role-specific learning, this strategy ensures that staff have the tools and confidence to successfully embrace automation.

5 Key principles of effective PL

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Creating a structured plan that includes interactive learning, real-time support, and expert guidance, this strategy will help financial aid staff navigate automation that feels manageable and beneficial.  Below, you'll find the 5 key principles that will guide this process, making sure that learning is not just effective but also relevant and engaging for the financial aid department.

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Sustained and Ongoing Professional Development

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Implementing automation in Banner is a complex process that requires continuous learning and adjustments over time.  One-time training sessions are not enough, which is why professional learning opportunities will be spread out throughout the implementation period.  Financial aid staff will participate in training workshops, hands-on practice sessions, and follow-up meetings to reinforce their understanding of automation.

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Ongoing Support During Implementation

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Switching to automation can be challenging, and staff will need structured support to ensure success. This strategy includes access to automation specialists, peer collaboration groups, and an internal support system where staff can troubleshoot issues and share best practices.

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Active Engagement in Learning

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To get financial aid staff to fully understand and embrace automation, training sessions will be interactive and hands-on.  Instead of just receiving information,  staff will actively engage with automation tools through real-time simulations, scenario-based training, and collaborative exercises.  

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Modeling of Best Practices

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Learning new automation processes can be more effective when staff can view them in action.   This PL strategy will include live demonstrations, recorded video tutorials, and peer modeling sessions where experienced staff can show best practices.  Side-by-side coaching sessions will allow staff to practice automation processes with guidance from experienced users.

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Discipline-Specific and Role-Specific Training

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Financial aid processes are different from other administrative processes and training must be specific to the needs of financial aid staff.  This strategy will provide professional learning sessions that are tailored to the daily tasks that staff perform within Banner. This role-specific approach makes sure that each staff member receives the training that improves their efficiency and daily workflows.

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Alternative Professional Learning Approach

Go and Show/Alt PL 

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The "Go and Show" design provides a different approach to traditional professional learning, focusing on hands-on applications.  Staff will participate in active learning experiences where they observe and participate in demonstrations.  In my Alternate PL - Call to Action, it provides flexible, hands-on support and collaboration, giving staff the tools and confidence to implement automation in their daily workflows. This approach creates a learning environment where staff can apply new methodologies effectively. Staff will observe automated workflows in action, followed by implementation and feedback sessions. 

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Professional Learning Outline

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​​​​The professional learning outline provides the structure and implementation plan for the PL strategy. It starts with an introduction to core concepts, followed by sessions that engage staff in discussion, hands-on application, and reflective practices. Providing support such as coaching, peer collaboration, and follow-up sessions will be implemented through the learning process.  By following this plan, staff will receive a clear roadmap that promotes continuity and long-term impact.

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1. Introduction to Automation in Banner - Overview of automation capabilities and expected benefits.

2. Hands-On Training Sessions - Staff will work directly within Banner, applying automation to common financial aid processes.

3. Collaborative Problem-Solving - Peer discussion and troubleshooting of automation challenges.

4. Support Structures - Ongoing coaching, discussion forums, and IT assistance.

5. Assessment and Reflection - Evaluating the impact of automation on efficiency and accuracy.

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Audience and Their Needs

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​​​The audience for the professional learning strategy is designed for the following:​

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Financial Aid Staff - Seeking efficient workflows and automation tools to reduce manual tasks.

Instructional Leaders and Trainers - Supporting staff in implementing new automated processes.

Administrators - Finding professional learning solutions to drive institutional change and efficiency.

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Financial aid staff often face challenges that include overwhelming workloads, time constraints, and a lack of professional development opportunities.  This PL strategy provides relevant, flexible, and practical training to address setbacks effectively.  The automation initiative in Banner further supports staff by streamlining processes, reducing errors, and enhancing efficiency within our organization.

 

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Who Will Lead What?​

Leadership & Facilitation:

Lead Facilitator (Me)

  • Conduct initial training and introduce Banner automation tools.

  • Model implementation and guide self-directed learning.

  • Oversee professional learning sessions and make sure that it aligns with institutional goals.

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Financial Aid Specialists & Trainers

  • Provide coaching, feedback, and hands-on support in automation adoption.

  • Facilitate peer learning and professional discussions.

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Financial Aid Staff

  • Lead peer discussions and apply automation tools into their daily workflows.

  • Share best practices and track the impact of automation on efficiency.

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Collaboration and Modeling

  • Peer-Led Learning - Financial aid staff, including myself, share strategies and experiences in discussion forums.

  • Live Demonstrations - Modeled workflows provide examples of automation in Banner.

  • Feedback - Regular check-ins allow staff to adjust their approach and address challenges.

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Self-Directed Learning Approach

  • Autodidactic Learning - Financial aid staff will develop the mindset of self-motivated, independent learners who take ownership of their professional development.​

  • Application and Iteration - Financial aid staff are encouraged to experiment with new automation features, analyze process improvements, and refine their approach to using automation in their workflows.

The Big Hairy Audacious Goal of this PL strategy is to create a professional learning culture that empowers staff to implement innovative instructional strategies effectively. Using a backward design foundation, the PL strategy remains focused on meaningful and measurable learning outcomes.  This approach allows for continuous improvement and long-term impact.

Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG)


Empower financial aid staff with automated processes in Banner to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and strengthen student support, creating a flawless and data-driven financial aid experience. This shift in change will develop a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, helping staff to focus on priority tasks that directly impact student success. By leveraging automation, we will streamline workflows, increase accuracy, and ensure compliance with ever-evolving federal regulations.

Learning Outcomes
Assessment Evidence
Learning Activities
Understand the key features of Banner automation and its impact on financial aid processes.
Quiz on Banner automation terminology and functions.
Online module with instructional videos and knowledge checks.
Implement automation scripts in Banner to streamline financial aid workflows.
Practical hands-on project where staff configure and test automation in a sandbox environment.
Guided workshops and hands-on practice with real financial aid scenarios.
Connect automation processes with broader financial aid strategies and institutional goals.
Staff presentation on how automation supports compliance and efficiency.
Group discussions on real-world applications and peer feedback sessions.
Recognize the impact of automation on workload, job roles, and student support.
Reflective journal entries on personal experiences with automation adoption.
Case study analysis on institutions that have successfully implemented Banner automation.
Develop a proactive mindset toward automation adoption and continuous improvement.
Self-assessment on mindset and readiness for change.
Growth mindset workshop and team brainstorming sessions.
Build problem-solving skills to troubleshoot automation issues and adapt to future updates.
Performance-based assessment with real-time troubleshooting scenarios.
Role-playing exercises and mentorship opportunities with experienced staff.

Schedule/Timeline

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This PL strategy for implementing automation in Banner for financial aid staff will follow a structured timeline to ensure continuous learning and successful adoption.

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  • Phase 1: Initial Training (Month 1-2)

    • Introduction to automation in Banner, including key concepts and benefits.

    • Hands-on workshops to provide guided practice on automated processes.

    • Establishment of professional learning communities for ongoing support.

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  • Phase 2: Implementation & Coaching (Month 3-8)

    • Monthly meetings to address challenges, share progress, and refine implementation.

    • Ongoing coaching sessions to provide personalized support and troubleshooting.

    • Feedback sessions to gather insights and adjust training as needed.

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  • Phase 3: Reflection & Optimization (Month 9-12)

    • Mid-year reflection session to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.

    • Continuous support through discussions and coaching.

    • End-of-year review to evaluate impact, identify successes, and plan next steps.

Session Resources

Resources

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Implementing automation in Banner for financial aid staff requires a structured learning strategy that focuses on engagement, collaboration, and continuous support.  Integrating the principles of effective professional learning, individuals will gain the skills and confidence needed to transition from manual processes to automated workflows.  Financial aid staff will be able to increase efficiency and improve student services with a clear roadmap, ongoing support, and access to resources.  This professional learning strategy ensures long-term success, creating a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in financial aid automation.

References

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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

 

Ellucian. (n.d.). Automate financial aid process and simplify workflows. https://www.ellucian.com/es/node/28341?

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Fortra (2022, Nov. 10). Automate Ellucian Banner Processes and More with Workload Automation. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo_7fWeBSjY

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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

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Huron Consulting Group. (n.d.). Simplifying the financial aid process for students. https://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/insights/simplifying-financial-aid-process

 

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.

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The Higher Education Assistance Group, Inc. (n.d.). Using artificial intelligence to automate financial aid operations. 

      https://heag.us/using-artificial-intelligence-to-automate-financial-aid-operations/

 

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

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