Supporting+Research

=Supporting research / resources=

Michael Fullan writes about the importance of "connecting peers with purpose""

//Purposeful peer interaction works effectively under three conditions:// //1. When the larger values of the organization and those of individuals and groups// //mesh.// //2. When information and knowledge about effective practices are widely and// //openly shared.// //3. When monitoring mechanisms are in place to detect and address ineffective// //actions, while also reinforcing and consolidating effective practices.//

Fullan, M. (2008). //The six secrets of change//. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

Linda Darling-Hammond suggests that effective professional development must:

//• engage teachers in practical tasks and provide opportunities to observe, assess and reflect// //on the new practices// //• be participant driven and grounded in enquiry, reflection and experimentation// //• be collaborative and involve the sharing of knowledge// //• directly connect to the work of teachers and their students// //• be sustained, on-going and intensive// //• provide support through modelling, coaching and the collective solving of problems//

Darling-Hammond, L. and McLaughlin, M.W. (1995). Policies that support professional development in an era of reform. Phi Delta Kappan, 76(8) pp 597–604

Darling-Hammond and Nikole Richardson ask what kinds of professional learning opportunities improve instruction and student achievement. They find that research supports professional development that:

//* Deepens teachers' knowledge of content and how to teach it to students.// //* Helps teachers understand how students learn specific content.// // * Provides opportunities for active, hands-on learning .// //* Enables teachers to acquire new knowledge, apply it to practice, and reflect on the// //results with colleagues.// //* Is part of a school reform effort that links curriculum, assessment, and standards to// //professional learning.// //* Is collaborative and collegial.// //* Is intensive and sustained over time//

Darling-Hammond, L. and Richardson, N. (2009). Teacher learning: What matters? How teachers learn, 66(5), 46-53.

TEDxPhiladelphiaED - Kristen Swanson - EdCamp
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What is an edcamp?
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[|Burt], [|Ronnie]. (10/1/2010). Edublogs Weekly Review: EdCamps and Teach Meets – A new kind of professional development. Edublogs. []

[|Hertz], [|Mary Beth.] ( 9/29/10 ) Introduction to Edcamp: A New Conference Model Built on Collaboration. Edutopia. []

[|Strauss],[| Valerie.] ( 03/21/2011 ). The power of ‘edcamps’ and ‘unconferencing’. The Washington Post. []

[|Starkey], [|Carolyn Jo]. (8/11/11). Edcamp: Do-It-Yourself Professional Development. LiveBinders. []

[|Teachmeet/Edcamp Organizer Group - The Educator's PLN]