What are effective methods for measuring professional development?

Quality of the programme and its relevance. Time also matters because development that takes place as an aftermath is productive. Having opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learnt with room to reflect will help in determining the program’s effectiveness.

Taking professional development training lessons and activities with English as a Second Language teachers can be challenging because you are unaware of their own backgrounds and histories as teachers , so its always mindful to acknowledge prior learning at the start so that they not only feel a part of the professional development , but also that their education in their own countries prior to immigration is also acknowledged. The goals for children should always be about providing the best environment with the best activity programs therefore individual teaching is number one in my book from differentiation to peer learning and self learning as well as teacher led lessons. Using a variety of learning methods is first and foremost.

Typically, professional development occurs as a response to data. In order to measure effectiveness, developers must define: 1- What is the criteria for success we are aiming for this learning experience from the learner perspective? 2- What is the desired impact of this experience and how can we measure it?

Performance Practical approach Examples Expertise Evaluation indicators Capacity building Focus and grip on content towards the achievement of objectives

Consider using sentiment analysis for qualitative feedback. Likert scales are useful but sentiment analysis can be quite powerful!

Professional development is measured by using a variety of examples . For me, having the teachers reflect on what they've learned anonymously on paper and also what they wouldve liked to have learned more of. Having them use different methods in which to evaluate their outcomes such as systematic observations with an IEP folder for each student, using the qualitative (non numerical data collection and analysis)and quantitative (numerical data and statistical techniques). As well as the mixed methods research which combines the quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a more holistic understanding of a research question. Time and effort is also an important ingredient when teaching professional development and evaluations.

Ask yourself, what are the desired short and long impact of this professional development activity? More importantly, how will we measure it? Consider creating a data review cycle that includes: collection, reflection, and actionable next steps for both formative and summative measures.

My own experience comes out of lead teaching in a non English speaking country. At first it was frightening to say the least, when comparing the different techniques used in my own country to what they considered as normal. Telling teachers they are not needed on the day was a common occurence that happened with 2nd language teachers, however after 14 years of teaching in a foreign country, it did get easier and the students definitely got smarter. I was thankful that when training as a teacher in my country, I was taught that each child is special and an individual so therefore the lessons should be based around the child. It was near impossible to implement at first, but we (teachers), did eventually get there.