NET Scheme News 2024 Summer issue 46

AT: This was the first time we offered CPD through PDNETwork. It was really important, however, that participants were able to talk about their issues and get support in seeking strategies and advice that would help them solve challenges in their unique setting, or were suited to their level of experience. In the post- online workshop questionnaire, teachers fell into three groups: novice, experienced, and confident. Each group shared common challenges, so the beauty of the post-workshop webinars was that the participants could explore their concerns and goals with others in a similar situation. As I offered tips or advice, further questions and conversation emerged. So, the participants could fully explore solutions and associated implications tailored to them. Learner feedback: “Good revision and the discussion cleared my misconception on guided reading.” “I enjoyed this PD as it offered a chance to revisit the basics of guided reading. The webinar allowed me to analyse the differences between how we run GR lessons at our school compared to some other schools. I believe it will be helpful also in how I will set up the self-management activities groups for next year too.” “The guided reading CPD was useful to me as it has been a while since we were able to do guided reading. Establishing routines will be helpful to classroommanagement, and the phonics parts of the demonstration videos are a useful reminder in how to lead students to recognise strategies they themselves use to help read the word. In the webinar, I liked the chance to discuss how we can conduct guided reading in classrooms with students sitting at their chairs as I've attempted it a couple times but it did not go so well.” “I never thought there would be special ways to help the high ability readers but I have more to work with now. I’m also interested in keeping in touch with others about what strategies are working for them so I can keep refining my programme.” “ “ Case study 2: Learning communities across schools Shared challenge: How to teach guided reading to cater for learner diversity The role of PDNETwork : Teachers were preparing to resume face-to-face guided reading after the pandemic. Some teachers were new to guided reading, while others needed a refresher after three years of no small group teaching in classrooms. Teachers were unable to gather at a CPD workshop, where there would normally be an opportunity for questions and problem-solving. 31 teachers completed the online PDNETwork workshop on guided reading. Then, they identified their unique needs through a questionnaire and were offered a choice of small-group webinar. The webinars were facilitated by the AT who offered strategies for consideration and guided participants’ professional dialogue. Groups were then connected so as to continue their learning through a mutual community. Michele Davis, Advisory Teacher and PDNETwork Coordinator NET Section 5 NET Scheme News Issue 46