Writing Training Module

Agenda & Activities - Kick-off Meeting, Day 2

Session II-2-A: Introduction (60 min.)

Begin the day with a review of the major points from yesterday. Refer to the list of questions produced by the group in Session I-E. Encourage the group to share their questions and ask for help.

Review and discuss ideas for inquiry generated by the assigned reading articles.

Objectives

• To provide participants with the tools they will need to conduct a classroom investigation
• To introduce PDK
• To familiarize participants with web and print-based resources

Materials

• PDK CDs
• Captured Wisdom CDs
• List of websites and other resources
• Logging in information
• PowerPoint overview of PDK website

Activity: Logging in

• Distribute materials and assist participants in logging into PDK. Once they are logged in, guide them through the tour..

Session II-2-B: Becoming Familiar with PDK (90 min.)

Objectives

• To give participants hands-on experience with PDK
• To provide participants with the tools they will need to conduct a classroom investigation

Activity

• Divide participants into pairs. Show the PowerPoint overview of PDK and ask participants to follow along as you describe each of the parts
• Facilitator should walk participants through each section, highlighting information as it applies to each aspect of the workshop.

Session II-2-C: Exploring Investigative Options (30 min.)

Objectives

• To give participants an opportunity to share “Best Practices”
• To allow participants time to formulate investigative questions, pair/share with others, and plan how to demonstrate/evaluate the results.

Materials

• Captured Wisdom CD

Activity A

• Divide into groups. View Captured Wisdom CD.
• Discuss inquiries undertaken by these teachers and possible uses in your classroom.
• Circulate around room to make sure students are viewing at least one segment that corresponds to their teaching situation. Troubleshoot comments such as “My classroom is different that this” with appropriate replacement activities that correlate to their situation.
• Complete Project Outline Form.

Activity B

• Assist teachers with formulating a focused question/concern project . Assure those that have not selected a subject that you will give them support online to select an area and narrow the focus of the research.
• List inquiry questions on flip chart.

Session I-2-D Defining the Process (60 minutes)

Objective

• To lay ground rules for the four-week online process

Activity: Discuss online facilitation methods

• Select PDK Discussion Board, email, or both as communication avenues.
• Check to ensure that participant list contains correct emails and other information.
• Review NCAL sheet for online communications/suggestions/rules.
• Discuss “Instant Messenger” services and decide whether this is an alternative for the group.
• Try to have each person choose a partner. This simplifies the investigative process.

Between the Kick-off days and the Wrap-up days is a 4-week online event. The online portion of this professional development is unusual. Often, facilitators don’t hear a word from participants for the whole time, and they do just fine. Other participants need direct help. Try to check in with each of your groups at least once a week. See the online facilitation tips.