Changed Professional Learning = Changed Student Learning
My class is reading a story right now called "The Hot and Cold Summer." The students are so interested, on the edge of their seats, and begging to read more and more. Why? It’s a STORY! People have a hard time memorizing things like grocery lists but can sing a song from the radio effortlessly. Why? It’s a STORY! Stories bring out emotion and allow the audience to feel connected (Duarte, 2010). As an educational leader, my presentations need to be stories. That is what makes them memorable and relatable.
This story is the best kind of story because WE (teachers and students) are the main characters. The audience of my presentation isn’t an audience at all; they are characters that are part of the first chapter in the story of “Ditch the Basement Box.” I picture a teacher sitting in a crowded auditorium for professional learning while information goes in one ear and out the other - the “what is.” The plot events of the story have the teachers and students transforming their learning. The solution is a differentiated and blended professional learning opportunity for teachers to help them use student ePortfolios in student-centered learning environments. The final scene is where teachers are applying their learned skills with the help of a coach while students are engaged in learning and taking ownership of their learning - the “what could be.”
In fourth grade, we teach author’s purpose and perspective. Author’s purpose is commonly abbreviated PIE – persuade, inform, entertain. I feel like my presentation to introduce professional learning for my innovation plan should be a mix of all PIE. I want to persuade my audience that a shift in professional learning is needed, inform them of what professional learning should look like, and entertain them with a story. In addition, author’s perspective is the author’s feeling and opinion about the topic. This is where I share my WHY. Simon Sinek (2015) says the best presenters start with sharing the end goal through a story to form interpersonal relationships with the audience and make them part of the process. It is important to share and give as a presenter, without wanting something in return (Sinek, 2015). I need to get the point across that I feel professional learning needs to be transformed to transform student learning, but I need to do it in a way that connects with the audience and makes THEM the heroes. We change student learning by changing the way teachers teach, which starts with changing the way teachers learn.
References:
Duarte, N. [TEDx Talks]. (2010, 11 November). Nancy Duarte uncovers common structure of greatest communicators [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nYFpuc2Umk&feature=youtu.be
Sinek, S. [Skillshare]. (2015, May 5). How to begin your presentation with Simon Sinek [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e80BbX05D7Y&feature=youtu.be
