Professional Development

The ADNOC Schools participated in two weeks of professional development sessions. The sessions were workshop format involving group activities and interaction. Some sessions were organized internally and others were conducted by specialists that were brought in from different parts of the world to train and refresh the teachers. The following are the two main areas of focus:

6+1 Traits of Writing and Writer’s Workshop:

In this intensive four day training session, English teachers K-12 received training on the revolutionary writing program and teaching methodology of 6+1 traits. Presenters were given information before the session on specific materials used in our curriculum as well as the specific challenges being faced in the English classrooms in respect to writing. The training session was tailored to address our needs and curriculum as a school. Practical approaches and theories were given to the teachers and modelled throughout the sessions allowing the teachers to see firsthand how the proposed plan can be adapted in their classrooms with their students.

Throughout the four days, participants:

• Discussed challenges they are facing in their specific classrooms and proposals and discussions took place on how to address the obstacles.

• Were given methods of applying the 6+1 traits in reading classes and across the curriculum.

• Trainers began training in order to help existing staff and new staff to learn and apply the traits

• Methods of scoring were adapted in order to keep marking consistency.

• A 3- 5 year plan of full school integration is being adapted as a result of the workshop.

Behavioral Training:

The entire staff K-12 was split into four sub-groups of approximately fifty participants. Each sub-group received two full days of workshop training.

Behavior Needs Ltd. provided exciting, thought-provoking behavior management and motivation training courses. The outstanding training workshops were designed and delivered in a fun, active learning format which maximized learner participation, engagement and retention.

Throughout the two days, participants:

• Revised and improved general classroom management styles and supportive skills within a positive, student-centred approach

• Created empowering whole-school systems to prevent behavior problems, deal proactively with them as they arise and motivate students from within

• Analyzed diffusion and de-escalation strategies

• Had the opportunity to debate, discuss and share experiences and concerns

Some quotes from teachers.

• Presenters offered a new twist to tried and true methods of classroom management.

• I thought the session was very intense and to the point. It really gave me an insight in how to keep everyone involved and engaged in the lesson as well as building meaningful relationships with the students.

• That it was a very interactive session and gave me some very good ideas to implement into my lessons.

• The Needs Based approach to behavior management and student motivation was one of the best PD sessions I have ever attended.

Both Rob and Fin did a fantastic job not only explaining the concepts and strategies they have developed over years of experience to manage behavior and motivate students, but also took the time to actively model each idea and USE them on all of us during the session so that we could experience just how effective these approaches are first hand. I know that I came out of those two sessions a much better teacher and that my students are already benefiting in the classroom as a result.