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OECTA members speak up about professional learning By Claire Laughlin
OECTA members have strong opinions about professional development for teachers – about what is offered and how it’s delivered. They also have definite ideas about what more their Association can do to address their 21st century learning needs. With that in mind, last fall OECTA invited members to participate in OECTAListens, an online survey, about 21st century learning and the Additional Qualifications (AQ) courses offered by OECTA. More than 3,300 teachers participated and here’s some of what they had to say. Members take AQ courses for a variety of reasons, but significantly, two-thirds took a course for ongoing professional learning, while only about half took a course for salary advancement. This trend reflects members’ desire for ongoing learning that can help them in the classroom. One of the most popular courses is Special Education, taken by close to 40 per cent of respondents. While courses specifically related to a subject area or classroom requirement are most often selected, such as Student Assessment & Evaluation, and Information Technology, there is also interest in taking courses that satisfy teachers’ personal interests, such as Using Social Media Tools and Introduction to Google.
Joining the panel is free and easy at www.oectapanel.ca If you have any questions about the OECTAListens panel, send an email to contact@oectapanel.ca
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Almost 75 per cent of members said they would likely take an AQ course in the future, but only 36 per cent thought it “very likely.” The reason most cited for not taking a course is the difficulty many members have fitting AQs into their busy schedules.
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Not surprising then that 63 per cent of members said they are more likely to take a course if offered in smaller modules. They would also want credit for the modules taken.
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In response to members’ requests for convenience and affordability, in the next few months, subject to discussions with and approval by the College of Teachers, OECTA is planning to introduce AQ modules that require a shorter time commitment, cost less than an AQ course, and can be used towards completing a full-course credit. More information will be shared as the plan develops. All members are invited to join the OECTAListens panel. Surveys are conducted several times a year to allow you to have your voice heard on various topics. Surveys are conducted and managed confidentially by Pollara, a leading, independent national public opinion research firm contracted by OECTA. Claire Laughlin is a secretariat member in Professional Development at OECTA Provincial Office.
6 @ OECTA | february 2014
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