Independent professional development listings and advice

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Target the learning of specific pupils

Professional development is most effective when you're aiming to improve the learning of a specific group of pupils.
To maximise the benefit, decide on the specific pupils and a clear learning goal for them before you choose a course, event, expert or resource.
[Find out more].

Sustain the CPD for at least two terms

A one-off training event rarely changes habits effectively, you need to actively pursue a new idea or skill for at least two terms, or more than 50 hours if you want to see a long-lasting change. Sustained experimentation and refinement is the best way of embedding a theoretical idea in everyday classroom practice.
A single course could kick-start this process or act as a refresher during the learning process, but shouldn't be undertaken without a plan to continue the learning back at school or college.
[Find out more].

Work with colleagues to plan & observe

You're much more likely to succeed in improving your teaching habits if you work with colleagues.
You need to find time to identify ideas, share and discuss the progress of new ideas regularly including trying out new approaches, plan lessons/interventions together, observe each other, examine work samples and assessments and keep adapting and improving. To do this you must allocate time for the regular giving and receiving of constructive feedback.
[Find out more].

Consult an expert, course, or resource

The most effective professional development requires an outside voice to support, challenge your beliefs and assumptions and guide the implementation of new ideas, as well as a mentor or coach to facilitate your learning.
If you keep everything in-house you may be recycling ideas that are less effective, choosing sub-optimal strategies, making mistakes that others have already made, and you may stop investigating before you've fully an explored an idea.
[Find out more].

Evalute the effect on pupils' learning

Throughout the learning process you should keep evaluating how the learning experience of your pupils has changed. Just because you've change your practice doesn't necessarily mean they're learning any more effectively.
Use a variety of ways of evaluating learning: tests, homeworks, surveys, work-samples, observations or video, and of course simply asking pupils.
[Find out more].

Sign up for free National Teacher Enquiry Network membership from TDT, the national independent CPD charity

Get half-termly updates, advice and support to help you carry out the most effective professional development.
Find out about our work to improve the quality of training, and our campaign for teacher-led school improvement.
Sign up here

Recommend a course, service or event

Been on an amazing course? Worked with an inspiring consultant? We'd love to hear your recommendations - we'll follow up and try and get them on our guide. [Recommend CPD]
Are you a provider? Sign up here here to list your services for free.

Raspberry Pi Introduction Course

CPD for Teachers

The Raspberry Pi Introduction Workshop is about getting you up to speed on the £26 computer that's spearheading a fundamental change in the way technology is taught. It will help you over the initial hurdles and guide you hands-on through set-up and connection of peripherals to programming and interfacing with basic electronic devices.

£279.00 + VAT includes free Raspberry Pi and SD card
(Duration: 1 day)

International Award in Perspectives on Dyslexia Course

Dyslexia Action

Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn during the holidays without having to compromise your travel plans. E-learning means you do not have to be in one place at any particular time. It means you can access the course via the internet at any time and in any place, even while on the beach! These courses are suitable for teachers and teaching assistants working in schools and colleges (continuing your professional development)

£645.00 (no VAT on this item) bookings close midnight 19th June
(Duration: 3rd July 2013- 16th September 2013)

Perspectives on Dyslexia Course

Dyslexia Action

£645.00 (no VAT on this item) booking close midnight 19th June
(Duration: 3rd July 2013- 16th September 2013)

Literacy Skills In Learners with Dyselxia Course

Dyslexia Action

£645.00 (no VAT on this item) bookings close midnight 19th June
(Duration: 3rd July 2013- 16th September 2013)

Dyslexia: An International Perspective Course

Dyslexia Action