ESL/CivicsLink Training Module

Sample Agenda

(For a printable copy (microsoft Word .doc) of this agenda, click here.)

Introduction - 9:00 - 9:30

- Brief run-down of the day

Preliminary question: What are your goals for this training?

- Orientation to ESL/CivcsLink:

Background

• Who created it
• Who it's for/its purpose
• Theories/general principles behind its development

Structure

• What it includes (7 professional development units, resources, discussion boards, portfolio development)

Use

• Possible incentives for using ESL/CivicsLink
• Three implementation models
• Preliminary data on its use

Getting Started - 9:30 - 10:30

• ESL/CivicsLink Tour
• Registration; Logging in
• Review of Management Pages
  • this will be of interest to those teachers or administrators who will be facilitating a group of teachers using the site.
• Orientation Unit - This unit provides an introduction to site features and guides you on how to navigate the site.

Digging In - 10:30 - 11:00

• Explore the Workspace page; Unit dial page
• Explore a Unit
  • Go through a unit and begin to evaluate its potential value for professional development
  • A unit can be viewed alone or with other participants.
  • Write down any questions that arise.
  • There are no rules for how to do this. This is free time (1/2 hour) to investigate.

Break - 11:00 - 11:15

Discussion - 11:15 - 11:45

• Thoughts/impressions about the unit
• What features were used? (Community Space, Resources, Portfolio, Tips?)
• What professional development benefits could be drawn from the unit?
• Discuss and share questions

Collaborative Activity - Sample Project: Citizenship Interview 11:45 - 12:30

In pairs:

• Look at the two sample citizenship interview projects that other teachers have done in the Orientation unit.
• Print out the interview questions and work together to role play the citizenship interview.

Lunch - 12:30 - 1:30

Roadblocks to Implementation - 1:30 - 2:00

- In a large group, discuss the following question:

• What roadblocks to implementing ESL/CivicsLink could arise?
• Brainstorm possible solutions and next steps.

Evaluate the Effectiveness of the Training - 2:00 - 2:30

- In a large group, discuss the pros and cons of this training session.

Were the goals identified at the beginning of the session met?

Wrap up - 2:30