Design Quality Professional Learning

Coaches should perform a training needs analysis (TNA) and design a range of appropriate professional learning opportunities to suit all learners. Read for about one minute and learn more.

ISTE explains that coaches should ‘design a systematic approach for identifying areas of professional learning and assessing the capacity to meet those needs, and theories for working with adults, developing learning objectives based on learners’ needs, providing a process for achieving those objectives, creating opportunities for learner choice and evaluating learners’ progress (see research for evidenced based models). Coaches should support the coachee whilst being cognizant of individual’s backgrounds and needs (e.g. accessibility, language, personal) as well as group dynamics (e.g. setting norms).’ 

If people and organisations are to learn and grow then their knowledge and skills’ gaps need to be identified. Microsoft Forms allows for easy and simple identification of training needs through choice questions of levels of ability in different areas of teaching and technology. The coach can then gather insights on what training is required.

For staff who are self-directed learners, coaches can then encourage them to use learning platforms such as Microsoft Learn and direct them to suitable learning pathways, so their skills or knowledge gap can be addressed. The learning pathways offer a range of learning opportunities including articles, videos and self-check assessments. However, the coach can design bespoke materials or instruction for staff with different needs.

When using video coaches can consider the length of their training. Some people enjoy micro-learning whereas others may prefer the detail within a longer video. It can be useful in a longer video to add text, different coloured backgrounds, or include advice on what information can be found at different minutes in the video. Subtitles can also be added to videos and presentations, and they can be checked for accessibility.

The coach should also be mindful of the messages they convey in any images they use in presentations. AI allows for improved images if no suitable ones are available- Copilot is useful for creating such images. The training material needs to be relevant to the educator and images can easily be made to be more inclusive and diverse.

Just like our book preferences, where some people might be drawn to really thick book and others prefer a slimmer read, the training materials could be shared along with the time taken to absorb the material. You probably took about one minute to read this.