At a glance
- When you design professional development offerings and technical assistance, rely on adult learning research, content-based learning theory, and best practice.
- Use thoughtful, intentional planning in the design phase.
Overview
Professional development (PD) event
- This comprises skill building designed to help a group of participants master specific learning objectives. Ensure adequate time for the event (at least 3 hours). The events may include curriculum and other training, workshops, and online or distance learning.
PD offerings
- These offerings include PD events, as well as information sessions and technical assistance.
Group sessions
- Identify the primary target audience.
- Conduct a pre-assessment and/or review data to help you create measurable, achievable learning objectives.
- Develop a PD event or offering that includes:
- Detailed agenda for the trainer and/or PD provider.
- Pre-work and/or homework plan.
- Participant action plan.
- Promotion plan (see Promote).
- Transfer of learning techniques (see Follow-Up Support).
- Evaluation plan (see Evaluate).
- Detailed agenda for the trainer and/or PD provider.
- Develop, design, and organize materials.
- Manage or hire someone to manage logistics, such as registration, venue details, audiovisuals, and technology.
One-to-one technical assistance
Create and follow a technical assistance (TA) protocol that includes:
- A way to determine the scope of TA need.
- Expected results.
- A TA provider with content expertise.
- A plan for TA delivery that includes:
- Content to cover.
- Data sources.
- Estimated time that aligns with the learning objectives.
- Resources.
- Content to cover.
Other steps include:
- Having a follow-up support plan (see Follow-Up Support).
- Planning for evaluation, if applicable (see Evaluate), including:
- Tracking TA process and outcomes.
- Tracking TA process and outcomes.