CPD Reflections: Importance Of Professional Learning

By Sayef Khan

As educators, are we still students?

“In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn”  Phil Collins

 

Westminster Academy gave me the opportunity to attend a three-day CPD organised by IBSCA (IB Schools & Colleges Association) to complete the Category 2 training for the new IBDP Business specification delivered by Paul Hoang (Author of IBDP Business Management). 

 

I had the privilege to meet DP Business teachers from across the globe and be able to have access to how the new course is delivered in different cultures and learn a range of classroom practices. My intention in attending the CPD was to learn more about my subject however I left with more enriched knowledge. 

 

The training required me to return to the ‘student chair’ and learn from other Business specialists which reminded me that there are always more aspects of the subject to learn that could be applied to my teaching and learning - you just need to seek it!

 

It’s essential to be aware of the changes occurring within the external environment and the changes within teaching practices as factors such as technology have required us to make necessary adjustments to our teaching to continue enhancing student learning. However, continuing to learn can sometimes become hindered, if we forget the importance of teaching students the ‘hidden’ curriculum - it’s even more important to have access to the resources to do this. 

 

So why is it important to continue learning as educators? 

1. As mentioned, it enables teachers to become confident in going beyond the curriculum 

2. Increases your passion for teaching your subject

3. Improve student outcomes

4. Most importantly, encourages each other to become better educators.

 

Questions to reflect upon:

1. Are there opportunities to teach beyond the curriculum during our lessons? If not, what are the barriers?

2. How do I get access to effective resources to incorporate within my teaching and learning? E.g online resources/colleagues

3. Within our schedule, where can we find the time to continue learning about our subject?

 

If you have any insightful suggestions/thoughts please do share them! I would welcome any feedback.

 

Further reading: 

Beames, S., Higgins, P.J. and Nicol, R. (2012) Learning outside the classroom: Theory and guidelines for practice. New York, NY: Routledge.