If you’re a school leader spending time and money on teacher training, how do you measure its success, if at all?
The University of Reading recently conducted a study on the impact of a popular Future Learn online course on participants’ professional practice. Interestingly, all staff from a single school rather individuals did the course together, fully supported by the principal. Participant progress and levels of confidence were measured before and after the course as well as three months later.
The findings showed that:
- Headteachers noticed that all participants were more confident after doing the course. Teachers noted teaching assistants taking more initiative such as noticing a student needed help with gross and fine motor skills or coming in early to set up the classroom. This was also proven in the participants’ answers in the survey three months post course.
- The group appreciated the fact that the course was led and informed by experts in their fields and that the lead trainer took the time to read and respond to their postings. The ability to put into practice what they learnt immediately was very beneficial. However, it’s important to note that these experts should be in both the field of education and digital learning.
- The course style and delivery method, i.e., an online approach rather than a one-off session enabled participants to complete the content which may not have been possible in a face-face course. This also made it easier for the principal to organise than getting all the teaching assistants in a room at the same time and required less funding than after school training.
- When the CPD was taken in a group it can create a community of learners who support each other, e.g., The staff also set up a WhatsApp group, which suggested they were working together to develop their skills.
- There needs to be someone in a senior position taking interest and monitoring progress.
- There needs to be a method by which the impact of the CPD is measured through the learners/children.
If you are looking for meaningful CPD that will have an impact on both your staff and students, our Autumn term is currently open for both individual and group bookings.