Grilled Cheese: The Quest for Differentiated Professional Development

Note Knowles’ fourth characteristic: Orientation to Learning. This characteristic is further explained through the definition of “self-directed learning.” According to the Teaching Excellence in Adult Learning project, self-directed learning or “SDL” is informal and takes place outside of the classroom. The learner knows their needs, goals, and plan, chooses resources, and then evaluates the outcome of their learning. Moreover, self-directed learning accounts for 70% of all adult learning (Cross, 1981). My application of learning depends upon the problems or issues that I face, and I am responsible to see it through to meet my goals. So, like many adults, after seeking new information to help me locate solutions, I make a plan and concentrate my efforts on carrying it out. If I want to learn more about installing laminate flooring, low impact workouts, or how to make homemade slime for 80 young people (any other former camp counselors out there?!) I begin by exploring and vetting my resources.

Finding excellent resources takes time. And, as all classroom teachers know, there never seems to be enough. So, as a busy educator, what do I do when I need information about a new tool, idea, or practice? Corporate anthropologist Karen Stephenson, author of What Knowledge Tears Apart, Networks Make Whole, said, “experience has long been considered the best teacher of knowledge. Since we cannot experience everything, other people’s experiences, and hence other people, become the surrogate for knowledge.” Conversations surrounding our thinking are important as are the experiences of others. This is why creating a professional learning network or “PLN” is invaluable. My PLN — the teacher next door, an educator I follow on Twitter, my tech coach, or social media — holds knowledge that amplifies and supports my own. I, like many teachers out there, understand that the more tools I have at my fingertips and the more people I have in my network, the better I am for my students. Sometimes the sheer volume of resources can be overwhelming because I’m not absolutely certain of what I am looking for. So, I rely on the shared knowledge of my colleagues. But what happens if they, too, don’t know or are feeling too stretched? Or maybe there are multiple ways to reach the goal I have for my classroom and my learning? Do I toss out the fromage with the frying pan? Of course not!

What if I were to tell you that there is a way to differentiate educator professional development? A resource I can use to search curated, vetted, expertly-created, on-demand PD – one that helps me find and filter resources, participate in live workshops, or seek self-paced courses? A resource where I can access a gallery of lesson ideas connected to supplemental materials and tools that fit my needs? A resource where I can connect with other educators, experts, and live technology coaches? It exists, and I’ve experienced it!

Developed by educators, for educators, the Five Star Learning Lab is available at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection. The Five Star Learning Lab is one way that I can differentiate my own professional study. I can discover new ideas for myself without depending upon just the knowledge of my own network, and I can get guidance and help when I make a mistake. Plus, the Five Star Learning Lab tracks my professional growth points for me. My administrator can even locate specific self-paced courses to highlight for me! In the self-paced courses, learners are guided through video-based lessons, task prompts, and built-in assessment with reflection. These are perfect for busy educators who want to move at their own pace, develop ideas along the way, and keep track of their learning. Imagine the quality grilled cheeses I could enjoy if there were such a thing for grilled cheese!

Like making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, the forage for differentiated professional development can be lengthy. Yet, it is still achievable. With curated tools, experiential practice, community, and expert advice, the Five Star Learning Lab brings you the winning recipe all in bite-sized chunks. No more one-size-fits-all PD; now it’s catered to you!

Want to learn more about the Five Star Learning Lab? Schedule a complimentary consultation with our knowledgeable team to see how your school district can unlock the power of relevant, timely, and practical learning!