FACILITATOR SUPPORTS
Developing Teaching Expertise modules include robust supports for PD facilitators to work at local sites with teachers and to work on their own professional learning. Resources provide facilitators help with session preparation, facilitation, and reflection.
VIDEOS OF CONTENT-EXPERT FACILITATORS
The modules feature video clips of expert mathematics teacher educators working in professional development contexts. These videos support learning opportunities for facilitators and participants alike. Facilitators can see the ways in which experts stage module tasks, the explanations they provide, and their responses to key questions. The videos not only support before-session planning. If needed, they can also be played for participants during sessions, providing “virtual facilitator” support for both facilitators and participants.
TEACHER WORK AND DISCUSSION SAMPLES
Because the modules feature expert mathematics teacher educators working in professional development contexts, the thinking of individual teachers and the interaction of groups are also available through video and work samples. Facilitators can take advantage of this feature by watching the videos ahead of their own sessions to help them anticipate things their own participants may say and do. Further, what facilitator hasn’t wished that a particular idea would come up to help conversations along? The Developing Teaching Expertise materials make it possible to play a video to put forward ideas of a “virtual colleague” for teachers to consider and discuss.
FACILITATOR GUIDES (DETAILED SESSION PLANS)
Facilitator guides provide detailed information on the purposes, materials, and activities that comprise the session. The guides show how multimedia content in the “module player” can be used, including potential language and actions the facilitator could use when showing the videos, slides, and other content. In addition, the facilitator guide features commentary that discusses purposes, options, summaries of videos, and other useful information designed to support facilitators using the materials with teachers.
SCREENCASTS FROM FACILITATOR STUDY GROUP
Screencasts of facilitator study groups capture the conversations between module designers and module facilitators who were involved in piloting the materials. Each screencast covers particular sessions from a module, discussing the overarching “big ideas” that are woven across sessions and capturing Q&A between PD facilitators and the content experts who helped design the modules. Facilitators can watch the screencasts to gain insights into the use of the materials.
