Concept

Teachers will open their classes to observations by other teachers at specified times, periodically, throughout the year.

Observing teachers will sit in on predetermined classes

Observing teachers will have a structured set of written guidelines during the observation process

Instructors and observing teachers will conduct a debriefing period to exchange observations and analysis.

Each teacher would participate in 3 to 4 sessions as an instructor or observer   Possible long-term goal: develop a list of effective teaching practices in use at Mt. Doug. These could form the basis of a future pro-d day and/or become part of a "pack-up" each year for teachers new to the school. 

1) Do you have any suggestions for the pilot project the Professional Development Institute (PDI)?
Specialty area teachers benefit from cross school observations departmental meetings to discuss observations Is it necessary to observe the entire period? Make it happen:) People are energized about this clear guidelines a sign up on wikispaces to limit observers (4 max.) compare our teaching methods to those in other countries/regions discuss it at a Pro-D day, not at a staff meeting find ways to get more people involved neat concept would be good for school look into other school - what are some of the ideas within the district or in BC
 * mus**t be voluntary

2) Please describe any pitfalls or obstacles that you feel the PDI might experience during this pilot project.
caution about evaluations - union concerns, personal conflicts, info on internet, admin using info. not using release time offered by process in the end The questionnaire or evaluation sheet makes me nervous- although it has been stated that the record is not an evaluation because it is professionals observing professionals, comments do amount to being an evaluation. The union may not sanction this. difficult to observe teachers who teach out of the timetable lack of "buy in" feeling of being assessed who sees the reports accountability for pro-d conversation where and when are the discussion groups (after observation) release time and cost options for people who do not want to participate privacy issues and agreement about comments on the site are comments visible to other people not knowing when you are doing an observable lesson observation time when 4/4 Lack of participation tracking teachers might get anxious about being observed Gossip Confidentiality the process may not be as anonymous/impersonal as the PDI may hope Fear of "evaluation" Accurate record keeping Make sure people do not take advantage (accountability) Confidentiality (especially on the website)

3) Describe any changes to your teaching practices you have made recently.
Project Based Learning - assessment for learning strategies technology more patience using more electronics "short" timed activities (multiple and then regroup to drive info home) more physical movement in class (brain studies) grading participation 1-5 "bell quiz" right at bell (avoid lates) giving a break to burn off energy assessing own work more relaxed more variety/switching of activities using social interactions between students to push learning (guided interaction) watching transitions, using techniques to facilitate more flexible deadlines for grade 12's less use of textbook LCD use (more) assessment practices Tried to talk less (hold back from re-explaining) allowed for more student collaboration used more online teaching incorporate more "skeleton" notes to alleviate copious note taking issues for oft-distracted and generally lazy students (ie have "given in")

4) Describe something you have learned from a teaching colleague that has had a positive impact on student success in your classroom.
learned from a teacher who concentrated a lot on language skills (textbook based vs. project based learning) how to help students be successful who struggle to attend more relaxed not so "A" type connecting with students better Dickson's web page idea learning initiatives - from each other (conceptual carousel) I personally enjoyed the video and will be smashing many student cell phones the next time Using study guides to cover the curriculum frees up class time to do interesting activities Armageddon - one make up test written at the end of the semester and pro-rated into assignments missed in excused absences. use of internet as open forum of discussion