Ollie Frith on CPD, Dodgy Speakers and getting the most from live training – PP94

Paul spoke to Pivotal Education Head of Training, Ollie Frith, this week about how to get the best out of training companies who you have engaged to come into school and run CPD. What should you expect from CPD? Ollie points out that when you are booking an outside speaker for your organisation’s CPD, it’s a good idea to talk to other schools and organisations who have had successful experiences. When you are spending money and hoping to make significant change, it’s right to do some research. If you don’t know a company, it’s entirely reasonable to phone them up and ask them to point you towards schools they have worked with so you can speak to them about their experiences. It’s also reasonable to ask companies if they can tailor what they offer to your needs. It’s not good enough for trainers to refuse to alter their training to what you require. Don’t be afraid to have a conversation about what you require. If you don’t have a conversation about your needs, can you really complain that they are not being met? Expect to receive an agenda in advance which you can negotiate if you don’t think it meets your needs. Who should go on the training? If you are trying to make whole school or whole-college change, then all adults who work in the setting should be at the training. The day of the training As teachers we think about a huge number of things when planning lessons – this can often get forgotten in a training session. Staff who come in for a CPD session and find something a bit special waiting for them… Resources mentioned: How to get the most out of staff training sessions – a guide for CPD coordinators How to get the most out of training sessions as an individual Tweeter of the Week Tony Meehan Read the full show notes on the Pivotal Education site NEW! Pivotal Education’s Open Badges: Pivotal Badges help recognise your skills, achievements and professional development activities. You can earn badges by engaging with Pivotal support and training. Each badge has specific requirements. Start earning badges today!   (Creative Commons Sound clip by Johnny Pixel Productions, Inc. – http://www.johnny-pixel.com/ http://www.freesound.org/people/jppi_Stu/) What would you like to hear covered in forthcoming episodes? Let us know by emailing [email protected] * Subscribe to the podcast * Listen for free every week * Send in your comments or questions * Get involved!