CPD Courses September Review

Post by: Prospero | September, 17, 2021

It’s been a busy month for the training and development team here at Prospero – and not just because Septembers are always busy in education!  This month, we relaunched our free fully accredited CPD provision for teachers and TAs [insert bravos and applause here!]

Our new-look CPD sessions are now held virtually, with participants able to join from home or school at their convenience. This month, we kicked things off with our ‘Teaching Assistant Training‘ and ‘Positive Behaviour Management‘ courses.

All our free online CPD sessions consist of two 1.5 hour webinars, with participants given a ‘GAP’ task to complete between sessions.

Teaching Assistant Training –  Monday 6th + 13th September 2021

On Monday 6th  & 13th September, Prospero hosted our first online Teaching Assistant training CPD of the academic year hosted by our very own Head of T&D, Mr Josh Tipping.

We started the session with an overview of the role and responsibilities associated with great TAs. Our facilitator, Josh, then led us through numerous interactive activities exploring the role of a teaching assistant. He painted a clear picture of what a typical ‘day in the life’ of a teaching assistant might feel like with lots of advice on working successfully within a school department.

There were lots of opportunities for participants to join in with the session throughout: by posing questions in the chatbox, by sharing experiences out loud and during break out room chats, and by responding to multiple-choice polls.

We then focused on how to support learning in the classroom, how to work collaboratively with the class teacher and how to support behaviour management. The specific strategies for behaviour management were particularly useful for participants who have been working with small groups of students with specific learning needs. Josh empowered the group with techniques for turning any activity into an opportunity for students to progress adapting the task to suit individual needs.

After analysing our pre and post-course surveys, we were delighted to find that all participants:

  • Reported having a better understanding of their role and expectations
  • Felt more confident with using a range of strategies to support students.

“I came away with improved knowledge of ways to assist and support the students learning within the classroom.”

“The break out groups were good for getting external opinions from other participants.”

Positive Behaviour Management – Wednesday 8th + 15th September 2021

From 8th September, Prospero Teaching welcomed a group of teachers into the virtual classroom for our latest accredited CPD event. ‘Positive Behaviour Management’. This time, hosted by the wonderful and highly experienced behaviour management maestro, Chris Gunner.

The session began with attendees discussing what is meant by misbehaviour, and sharing the types of misbehaviour they have been faced within the classroom. Chris then led discussions on different types of misbehaviour before exploring what the possible causes may be.

It was interesting to note that many causes are within the teachers’ control. Misbehaviour can be prevented through appropriate reflection and planning for positive behaviour. We discovered preparation included setting and maintaining high behavioural expectations.

The session then looked at a variety of different methods for managing misbehaviour. Chris unpicked key strategies from some of the leading voices in education. This led to a great discussion around the importance of implementing rules and routines into your classroom practice. Chris then broke down practical strategies and techniques to handle reactions to misbehaviour and using appropriate sanctions.

“I found grouping the types of behaviours and the techniques to deal with these issues was most useful. It enabled me to be more aware of the different issues in the classroom.”

“It was reassuring to find that I am using similar strategies to other teachers.”

Interested in our free virtual CPD session? In October, we are hosting training on ‘Supply Teaching Strategies’ and ‘Pastoral Provision in a Post-COVID classroom’ 

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