Designs for Learning: A New Architecture for Professional Development in Schools

"Paul Bredeson′s application of architecture′s principles of function, structure, and beauty to professional development policies and processes offers a unique and highly stimulating perspective sure to alter the thinking and work of researchers and practitioners alike. Creating artful designs for learning with structural integrity that appropriately meet the needs of educators and the students they teach should be the concern of professional developers at all levels." Thomas R. Guskey, Professor University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Experience a new paradigm for improving professional practice and career long growth! Redesign your professional development model to better reflect the relevant issues and realities of today′s schools. Designs for Learning will help you guide your staff through the increasing pressures and demands they face daily. By following the steps in this book, your staff will experience enriched learning opportunities that support improved practice. Using the metaphor of architecture, this landmark book outlines innovative ways to create and implement such a transformation, and highlights the rationale behind why these changes are so crucial. This insightful guide also offers straightforward explanations of the past, present, and future of professional development programs. Some of the visionary highlights are: A discussion of the six design themes and three essential components for effective professional development Explanations of the design features that foster successful learning environments An in-depth exploration into the five central elements that maximize professional development and shape its new paradigm Practical tools and strategies for planning, implementing, and evaluating professional learning in and beyond school Designs for aligning professional development, school improvement, and student learning

Table of Contents:
Preface List of Tables and Figures About the Author Part I: Redesigning Professional Learning for Educators 1. Breaking the Box: New Designs for Professional Learning in Schools 2. Building Beneath the Surface: Footings and Foundations for Professional Development 3. Creating a Professional Learning Community Part II: Creating Learning Spaces In and Beyond Work 4. Professional Development As Work: Essential Work for Educators 5. Professional Development In Work: Continuous Learning in Classrooms and Schools 6. Professional Development At Work: Benefits and Drawbacks to Workplace Learning 7. Professional Development Outside of Work: Creating Support for Off-Site Learning 8. Professional Development Beyond Work: Inward and Outward Learning Journeys Part III: Evaluating and Implementing New Designs for Professional Learning 9. Evaluating the Architecture of Professional Development 10. From Design Studio to School Site: Creating Learning Spaces in Your School References Index

About the Author :
Paul V. Bredeson is a Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he teaches courses in Professional Development and Organizational Learning, Instructional Leadership and School Improvement, and Research Methods. He has been a Professor at Ohio University and at Pennsylvania State University where he also served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania School Study Council. Before entering higher education, he was a High School Principal and Spanish Teacher in Wisconsin and Connecticut respectively. During the past 20 years, his research has centered on alternative con-ceptions of leadership and professional learning in schools. Grounded in his professional work experiences, his research and writing has two major strands. The first strand centers on the intersection of professional work and learning. The second focuses on the impact of alternative conceptual-izations of leadership on the work of school principals.

Review :
"Paul Bredeson’s application of architecture’s principles of function, structure, and beauty to professional development policies and processes offers a unique and highly stimulating perspective sure to alter the thinking and work of researchers and practitioners alike. Creating artful designs for learning with structural integrity that appropriately meet the needs of educators and the students they teach should be the concern of professional developers at all levels." “Intellectually evocative and practically grounded, this book acknowledges teachers as individuals and lifelong learners vitally engaged in their world and their profession. It should be at the top of the reading list for teachers, principals and anyone involved in planning, implementing or evaluating professional learning in and beyond schools.”