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This workshop, held in Montreal on April 18, 2013, introduces educators to learning circles as a powerful method for professional development. Participants will explore how learning circles foster collaboration among teachers and provide immersive experiences that enhance skills and classroom practices. By shifting from traditional, fragmented professional development to focused, sustained, and curriculum-centered approaches, educators can create supportive environments for student success. Engage in meaningful discussions and discover the benefits of collaborative learning in your educational setting.
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SHIFT HAPPENS! LEARNING CIRCLES English Montreal School Board AQIFGA Sheraton , Laval April 18, 2013
WORKSHOP GOAL The goal of this workshop is to introduce participants to the concept of learning circles as a form of professional development for individuals involved in the field of education.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Definition: • the process of enhancing staff (teachers’ and administrators’) skills and competencies with the aim of improving student learning gains • Purpose: • to enable staff members to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviors required to create safe learning environments that enable all students to demonstrate higher levels of achievement
TRADITIONAL PD OFTEN… • Is fragmented and simplistic • Addresses too many topics • Lacks focus • Lacks sustained support and follow-through • Does not result in change in student achievement • Is not readily integrated with classroom practice • Relegates participants to a passive role
CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Results-driven • Focused on helping teachers become deeply immersed in subject matter and teaching methods • Curriculum-centered • Sustained, thorough and cumulative • Directly linked to what teachers do in their classrooms • Supported by administration
WHY LEARNING CIRCLES? One of the most effective forms of professional development is when teachers have opportunities to work together and learn from each other.
ACTIVITY 2 WHAT IS A LEARNING CIRCLE? • How does a learning circle differ from a discussion group? • What are the six essential condition for authentic professional development? • What role can a learning circle play in your centre?
LEARNING CIRCLES • Definition • Organization • Roles • Essential conditions
OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Teachers who participate in learning circles • Feel less isolated • Create new knowledge about teaching and learning • Have an increased understanding of the curriculum and of the roles they play in helping students learn
OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS (cont.) • Are more open to change • Are better informed and more inspired • Show more satisfaction and higher morale • Share responsibility for teaching and learning
GALILEO ADULT CENTRE LEARNING CIRCLE • Testimonials