To help educational developers, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders make the most of the Instructional Moves resources, we have created templates and examples of three types of professional development experiences that you can modify for use with instructors at your institution.
Professional Development Facilitation Guide
Type 1: Group Exploration of Website Content
The most literal use of the IM resources, this type of session is structured as an opportunity for the group to take a deep dive into particular aspects of the website, including analyzing techniques and discussing what it might look like to apply them to their own practice. Two main advantages: ready-made content, and helping participants learn how to draw value from the resources. A challenge: learners have less agency, so attend to issues of participant motivation.
Type 2: “Raw Video” as Text
This type of session uses one or more select portions of unedited class footage to give instructors a common experience to explore and discuss, providing the opportunity for participants to more actively construct meaning and contribute their expertise. Two main advantages: significant value to making meaning together, and a dynamic way to tap into expertise in the room. A challenge: participants are often quite critical of teaching viewed in videos, so be thoughtful about constructing the protocol and framing the process to participants.
Type 3: Demonstrating “Moves” Live
Rather than have the in-session activities closely tied to the website itself, this type of session demonstrates the instructional moves live, building in opportunities to deconstruct and reflect on them in real time. The web resources can then be used as “flipped content” to support the session goals. Two main advantages: leverages the benefits of direct experience and extends learning through “flipped” content. A challenge: the facilitator needs to skillfully replicate moves through the use of interesting and accessible content.