6 Top Trends in Professional Development for the Upcoming School Year

As you know, with technology continually advancing and the world continually changing, school administrators like superintendents, principals, and educators alike are constantly looking for new ways to enrich student’s learning experiences to create an environment that is engaging, inclusive, and hands-on. 

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This leads to the continual need to innovate, seeking new strategies that shift education in a direction where students are eagerly volunteering to participate and constantly discovering something new–that’s the dream, but it can also be the reality and we’re about to tell you how! 

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The following is our list of 6 Top Trends in Professional Development for the Upcoming 2024/2025 School Year.

By implementing these top trends into teaching practices, education can become more interesting and overall exciting for all. With these trends, educators will be able to create a more effective learning environment that meets today's learning goals.

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1. Technology Integration‍

With rapid advancements in technology happening every day, it can be difficult for teachers to keep up. However, as you know, it’s essential to integrate technology into the classroom in order to prepare students for the tech-driven world once they enter the workforce. But with an exceptional PD provider, it doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming for educators!

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Look for PDs that focus on the following: 

• Educational technology workshops that put an emphasis on hands-on practice to gain experience working directly with new tech tools are top tier. The more comfortable educators are with the new tools, the easier it will be to keep their students engaged.
• Creatively weaving hands-on tools or familiar real-world concepts into the tech. This makes the lessons easier to grasp

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Tools to Consider:

Google Classroom

Writing Tablet

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Interested in getting started with a tech PD? Book a call with WhyMaker today!

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2. Artificial Intelligence

With rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) impacting every sector, education is no exception. Integrating AI into classrooms is essential to prepare students for a future dominated by technology. AI simplifies administrative tasks, offers personalized learning paths for students, and enhances engagement through interactive and adaptive learning environments.

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Look for PDs that focus on the following:

• Workshops that provide hands-on experience with AI tools, demonstrating their application in real-time educational scenarios.
• Training on ethical considerations and data privacy in the use of AI in education to prepare educators for responsible implementation.

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Tools to Consider:

• ChatGPT: Engage with an AI-driven tool for creating content and interactive learning experiences.
• AI-based educational platforms: Utilize platforms that adapt to student learning styles and pace for personalized education.

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3. Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Project-Based Learning (PBL) prepares students for real-world challenges by promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects. Integrating PBL into curricula is crucial for developing skills that are applicable beyond the classroom.

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Look for PDs that focus on the following:

• Seminars and workshops that guide educators through the design and implementation of effective PBL frameworks.
• Case studies showcasing successful PBL integration across various subjects and grade levels.

Tools to Consider:

• Trello or Asana: To manage projects and enhance collaboration between students.
• Google Workspace: For creating, sharing, and collaborating on project materials in real-time.
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At WhyMaker, we’re experts in PBL, having trained close to 15k teachers. Book a call with us to discuss your next PBL professional development session.

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4. Mentoring & Coaching

Mentoring and coaching are vital for ongoing professional development in education, providing a supportive environment for sharing experiences and developing teaching strategies.

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Look for PDs that focus on the following:

• Programs that pair less experienced teachers with seasoned educators for knowledge exchange and support.
• Training on effective communication and feedback techniques to foster a collaborative learning environment.

Tools to Consider:

• Zoom or Google Meet: For virtual meetings and coaching sessions.
• Slack: For continuous communication and resource sharing among educational teams.

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5. Gamification

Gamification incorporates game-design elements in educational settings, enhancing learning through engagement, competition, and interactive play. It is an effective strategy to increase student motivation and enhance learning outcomes.

Look for PDs that focus on the following:

• Workshops on designing gamified learning experiences that are aligned with educational goals.
• Strategies for integrating technology to create immersive and interactive learning environments.

Tools to Consider:

• Kahoot: For creating educational games that can be used to review or teach new material.
• Quizizz: To conduct fun and engaging quizzes that also provide immediate feedback.

By focusing on these areas through targeted professional development, educators can enhance their teaching methods, better engage students, and ensure their readiness for future academic and professional challenges.

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6. Design Thinking‍

Design Thinking is a solution-focused approach that encourages educators to think creatively and innovatively to solve complex problems within the classroom. By adopting Design Thinking, educators can develop more engaging and effective learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of students.

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Look for PDs that focus on the following:

• Workshops that introduce the five stages of Design Thinking: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. These stages help educators understand and address the real needs of their students through a hands-on, collaborative approach.
• Training that incorporates real classroom challenges, allowing participants to apply Design Thinking methods to create practical solutions that can be implemented immediately.‍

 

Tools to Consider:

• Implement Design Thinking on your own through the Educator’s Guide to Design Thinking book. 
• Miro or Jamboard: Digital whiteboarding tools that facilitate collaborative brainstorming and ideation sessions online.
• Adobe XD or Sketch: Tools for creating quick prototypes or visualizations of new teaching methods or educational tools.‍

 

Integrating Design Thinking into professional development not only enhances the creative capacities of teachers but also fosters an environment of continuous improvement and innovation in education. This approach ensures that educational strategies are not only theoretically sound but also practically effective, tailored to meet the evolving needs of students in a dynamic educational landscape.‍

At WhyMaker, we recognize the significant impact that well-structured professional development has on teaching methods and student outcomes. 

Our PD services are expertly crafted to provide educators with the latest in innovative teaching methodologies and technology integration. Whether your goal is to master Artificial Intelligence applications or to implement Project-Based Learning effectively, WhyMaker is equipped to assist you every step of the way.

We also offer personalized coaching and mentoring, ensuring that each educator can apply what they learn in practical, impactful ways. With WhyMaker, participating in our PD programs means joining a community of progressive educators dedicated to enhancing student engagement and success.

Discover the extensive PD offerings available at WhyMaker and see how we can help transform your educational practices and inspire your students to excel by booking a call with us or requesting to view our PD catalog! 

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