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.

Picaxe: Making the most of the mighty )8M2 with the Piggyaxe system Course

The Design and Technology Association

Ideally suitetd to my past attendees of my 'Digital Design Technology for the 21st Century' course

Free (Duration: 1 day)

Innovative Stragegies for 3D Computer Aided Manufacture 16 May 2013 Course

The Design and Technology Association

Find out more about a range of 3D manufacturing techniques including an innovative use of your laser cutter to create full 3D forms

Free (Duration: 1 day)

Practical Introduction to Electronics 9 - 11 Jan 2013 Course

The Design and Technology Association

This course provides a practical introduction to Programmable Interface Controller (PIC) programming and Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) designing

£660.00 + VAT
(Duration: 3 days)

Strategies for Teaching and Supporting Learners with Learning Disabilities (LD) Course

Can Do Courses

This is a 1-day course designed for Teachers, Tutors, SEN Co-ordinators and LSAs/TAs or anyone who works with young people and adults in education. Next date: 7 March 2013

£160.00 (no VAT on this item)
(Duration: 1 day)

Behaviour Management for Support Professionals Course

Can Do Courses

As an LSA, TA, Librarian, Mentor or Youth Worker, can you deal with behaviour before it's a problem? This one-day course shows you how by honing your skills to handle the tricky situations and understand the causes of behaviour. Next date 25 April 2013

£160.00 (no VAT on this item)
(Duration: One day)

Creating learning without limits Resource

Teacher Development Trust

This book tells the story of how one primary school community worked to build a learning environment that is inclusive, humane and enabling for everybody, a place free from the damaging effects of fixed ability thinking and practices. It describes how, in just a few years, the school (once in special measures) grew into a thriving community, with distinctive views of learning, curriculum and pedagogy, monitoring and... (read more)

£18.39 (no VAT on this item)