Facilitator Tips

You can use the workshop to provide professional development activities for teachers in a variety of settings:

• In reading methodology courses
• For teachers broadening their range of instructional practices
• For individual teacher study of a specific topic or grade level
• In a district or school workshop
• In professional development mentoring programs

The following facilitator tips can enhance the professional development experience:

• Review the Web or print guide, and preview the video prior to running a study group or workshop.
• Print and duplicate charts, posters, and templates ahead of time.
• Have participants complete the Session Preparation prior to meeting.
• Identify participants' skill levels and build from there.
• Use sections that meet your needs and those of your participants.
• Begin with the suggested questions and continue with other questions that interest you and your colleagues.
• Allow enough time to wait for participants' responses.
• Encourage debate and discussion to help trigger and focus controversial issues.
• Promote reflection as a means to improving teaching.
• Organize participants into different groups for different activities to give everyone a chance to work with everyone else.
• Conclude by reviewing strategies and action items participants can use in their teaching practice.