Describes the development of a Learning and Teaching Conference at the University of Brighton; discusses the value of the conference as a staff development initiative and for disseminating good practice and raising the profile of learning and teaching; reports on feedback from participants; and reflects on experiences of running the conference.…

The most essential set of skills that camp directors can impart to staff are effective group skills. One trick to working with campers in groups is to formalize brief meetings as part of the program. Types of meetings described are daily group, bunk, or cabin meetings; briefing and debriefing before and after activities; public appreciation;…

As a professional development tool, coaching is a process of systematic observation of another's instructional behavior with subsequent nonjudgemental feedback. It is a natural follow-up to a recent training event or experience and is extensively used within industrial contexts. Well-trained feedback personnel, including peers, team leaders,…

In two studies, three clinicians were assisted in using an outcome management approach to supervision for improving the work performance of their staff assistants. Using vocal and written instructions, feedback, and modeling, each clinician was assisted in specifying an area of staff performance (or consumer activity related to staff performance)…

A staff development model on the topic of mainstreaming was designed around three components: workshops, technical assistance, and program visitations. Evaluation data collected from each component indicated that feedback from the staff concerning the work of consultants needs to be shared with the principal. (JN)

The role of instructional coach is being piloted in four schools within the Department of Defense Dependents Schools system. One teacher from each school is appointed as an instructional coach for teachers in the building to provide a range of services leading to improved instruction and student achievement. This collegial/instructional coaching…

Workshops, conferences, clinics, seminars, and training sessions are examples of "temporary systems," in which participants suspend their usual roles and responsibilities and concentrate on a few short-term objectives. One mechanism of a temporary system is the use of feedback to determine the extent to which the project objectives are being…

This booklet discusses peer coaching as a form of staff development for assisting teachers to transfer new skills into their active teaching repertoire. This assistance can be provided by another teacher, administrator, specialist, or university professor. The first chapter examines some models of peer coaching such as how the coaching is…

The Time for Mastery Program was specifically designed to minimize the time costs of mastery learning by maximizing the use of instructional time to the fullest advantage. The program was implemented by three high school districts in suburban Chicago during the 1984-85 academic year. This article presents a brief description of the program, as…

A training program is described that was developed to improve administrators' supervisory skills in conducting classroom observations and conferences with teachers. The program includes training in the seven phases of clinical supervision and their respective skill components, including an understanding of the six forces that affect conferences.…

Peer coaching has been identified as a methodology for increasing teacher effectiveness. This paper discusses the topic of peer coaching in three parts. First, a review of current literature on peer coaching defines the types of peer coaching and discusses their multiple benefits. The second section considers the factors influencing successful…

The School Improvement Model launched by the Iowa State University College of Education in 1964 uses a total-system approach to measure and report teacher performance. SIM focuses on student achievement and emphasizes validity, reliability, discrimination, and 360-degree feedback from principals, other teachers, parents, and students. A Wyoming…

A structure of interlocking contingencies was designed to train and support managers' provision of effective feedback to subordinates, peers, and superiors at a large state residential institution for children with developmental disabilities. The system included formal scheduling of feedback, reinforcement, and goal setting. Increased feedback…

Discusses coaching programs designed to give direct supervision and feedback to teachers through on-site support and technical assistance. Three coaching models cited are peer, mentor, and technical. States that research demonstrates benefits to teachers being coached, to teachers acting as coaches, and to schools. (NH)

Describes technology workshops developed for school faculty by university students. Discusses the initial teacher/administrator visit and survey; design of the workshop, which includes basic software applications, general PC knowledge, and technology integration; workshop evaluation; students' presentation of workshop design and results to their…