faces told our nurse that. However, now, after five years of parenting experience to go on, we were calm, confident, and ready to go when we finally got to take our little guy home. This change in demeanor came down to things: context and confidence.
implementing new tools and skills and the more confidence they have in their ability to successfully implement those tools.
Here are a few of the ways I help teachers gain context and confidence when working with technology in class.
1. Model best practices during classroom visits.
2. Practice using tools during workshops.
3. Provide easy access to training materials.
One-on-one coaching is incredibly valuable to teachers; however, in my role, it’s impossible for me to offer that opportunity to all 850 teachers I work with. One way I supplement the one-on-one work I do with teachers is to provide thorough, relevant, easy to find resources to help them implement instructional technology in their classrooms. This includes video walk-throughs of tools and how-to documents that are organized on my webpage and easy to find. These resources can help provide context by showing teachers the student views of tech tools and confidence by giving teachers the knowledge they need to begin to implement new tools in their classrooms.
4. Provide timely, meaningful feedback.
One of the best ways to help teachers gain confidence in their abilities after a classroom visit or discussion is to provide timely, meaningful feedback. Whether the feedback is positive or constructive, timely feedback is so important. I work to honor teachers who invite me in their classrooms learn with me in workshops by providing that feedback. Often times, that looks like a quick email. Other times, feedback can be in the form of an automated check in to see if the teacher needs additional assistance and to let him or her know that I’m available to help.
5. Highlight high quality teacher work.
Everyone likes a pat on the back. In my experience, few things give teachers more confidence than giving them a stage and highlighting the great work they are doing in the classroom. In my district, I do this by inviting teachers to be guest bloggers on my edtech blog and interviewing them for my department newsletter. This practice also provides other educators in the district the context they need to begin to meaningfully implement tech in their classrooms.
Just like in parenting, providing context about what teachers are doing and helping to instill confidence in their abilities to succeed is so important in the coaching that we do in the classroom.
How do you help teachers gain context and confidence in your work with them? Sound off in the comments below!
Husband | Father | Edtech Coordinator | Google for Education Certified Trainer, February 2017 #GoogleET | METC Spotlight Educator 2017