2007 ANNUAL REPORT - cosmos - Bowling Green State University

Detailed Results for NWO PD Session Observations
Design: An average rating of 4.3 was given for the design of the observed PD sessions.
Strengths included: careful planning (8); incorporating tasks, roles, interactions consistent with
investigative science (8); highly collaborative approach to teaching and learning (7); adequate
time and structure for sense-making and wrap-up (6); using resources/materials that contributed
to accomplishing purpose of instruction (6); attention to students’ experience, prior knowledge
and learning styles (4); framing the session to help participants understand the purpose of the
session and where it fit into the larger professional development picture (3); and the design
being reflective of best practice (2).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the nine observed sessions this was applicable to.
Recommendations included: more time for sense making and wrap-up (3), having a structure for
regrouping to enhance sense-making (1), more encouragement of collaborative learning (1);
having a structure to share experiences and insights (1); having more handouts (1).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the nine observed sessions this was applicable to.
Implementation: An average rating of 3.8 was given to the observed sessions on
implementation.
Strengths included: implementing instructional strategies consistent with investigative science
(e.g., Giving the participants little information and then allowing them to investigate the available
resources to formulate a theory on their own with little guidance) (3); confident facilitators (5);
pace of the session appropriate for adult learners (4); facilitator’s classroom management style
enhanced the quality of the session (2); effective modeling of questioning strategies (5).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the nine observed sessions this was applicable to.
Recommendations included: Increase the amount of sense-making time (2); better modeling of
effective questioning strategies (1); more engaging presentations (2); more modeling of effective
assessment strategies (1).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the nine observed sessions this was applicable to.
Content : An average rating of 4.1 was given to the observed sessions on content. This aspect
of the sessions was the second most highly rated after the design of the sessions.
Strengths included: the sessions contained content that was significant and worthwhile (4); the
content was reflective of content standards (3); appropriate connections were made to the ‘real
world’ and other disciplines (5); the facilitator portrayed science/math as a dynamic body of
knowledge (3); the content was accurate (4); the content reflected important concepts (5); the
content was appropriate for the purposes of professional development and the backgrounds of
the participants (5); the content was appropriately explored using inquiry strategies (1); and
there was an adequate degree of sense-making (5).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the nine observed sessions this was applicable to.
Recommendations included: include more intellectual engagement of the participants (1);
provide more connections to other disciplines and real world contexts (1); present the
information in a “classroom ready” format (1); and add more time for sense-making (1).
Note: the numbers in parentheses indicate how many of the nine observed sessions this was applicable to.