NET Scheme News 2024 Spring issue 45

Furthermore, PDNETwork goes beyond surface-level reading instruction by offering workshops that explore the fundamental building blocks of literacy. Teachers can explore courses like ‘Phonological Awareness’ and ‘Strategies for Teaching Phonics’,which provide valuable insights and strategies for developing strong reading foundations in students. Learning tasks and PD hours Upon completing a course, participants are required to undertake a practical or reflective learning task. These tasks are carefully designed to reinforce the knowledge gained during the workshop and encourage practical application in the classroom. Once a participant has fulfilled the requirements of the learning task, their mentor, typically an Advisory Teacher from the NET Section, reviews the task to ensure successful completion and offers learning feedback. This rigorous process ensures that teachers not only acquire knowledge but also effectively translate it into their teaching practice. Once the mentor grants approval for course completion, a certificate is generated that records the professional development hours completed. In conclusion, PDNETwork is revolutionising the landscape of professional development for primary school English language teachers in Hong Kong. With its comprehensive workshops, user-friendly interface, and commitment to fostering a supportive learning community, PDNETwork empowers educators to enhance their teaching practices and unlock the full potential of their students. Visit https://nets-pd.edb.edcity.hk/ today and embark on a transformative learning journey towards teaching excellence. PDNETwork Workshop Title Teaching Reading Overview Teaching Strategies for Reading Guided Reading – Let’s Go! Matching Students to Book Levels Reciprocal Teaching of Reading Phonological Awareness Strategies for Teaching Phonics Drama in the Classroom Effective Feedback Vocabulary Building Using Epic School What do users think of PDNETwork? At the time of writing this article, 2679 workshops have been completed by users accounting for around over 8000 hours of professional development! Here are some users’ thoughts on the platform. Ms Ekaterina Li, the NET of YCH Chiu Tsang Hok Wan Primary School, completed eight PDNETwork courses in the previous academic year, accounting for 25+ hours of professional development.She shared her experience using the platform as follows: “I am convinced that as teachers, we should never cease learning and trying new things.Undoubtedly, the digital world presents endless opportunities for self-education,but having the courses prepared by the team of professionals, carefully structured and selected for you, is a great benefit which should not be overlooked. Personally I find the PDNETwork a great supplement to my professional life. After years of teaching, many teachers tend to burn out or reach stagnation; the PDNETwork helps me to avoid both by boosting my motivation and desire to experiment. In other words, it helps me maintain growth mindset, which we look to bring up in our students sometimes forgetting about our own selves.” PDNETwork Team NET Section 11 NET Scheme News Issue 45