The actual delivery of staff training and how it helps the individual to develop is an essential aspect of CPD.  There are serious dangers in following the scenario I described in the first paragraph of the previous page.  Mutual introspection followed by self-stimulation is not healthy in any circumstance - but particularly in a situation where teachers invariably work alone all day, every day, without the shoulder-to-shoulder camaraderie found in so many other workplace situations.

The intervention of an 'outsider' can be seen in many different ways, alien or friend.   Many years ago I came across three cartoons (probably copyright) which illustrate the three main approaches to staff training and development and are worth relating here:

1. The Judge:  Picture a criminal court and the fearsome Judge passing down sentence, "I commit you to a term of at least 10 weeks in a computer centre, or until such time as you learn to reform you ways."   The poor soul, convicted of unmentionable crimes, is led away fearing the anticipated torture that is to come!

2. Father Christmas:  Here the picture is of the unexpected stranger giving out  mysterious 'gifts' with a "Ho! Ho! Ho!  Have I got a surprise for you!"   Yes, we have all had experiences of the strange present that we didn't know we needed and, for that matter, couldn't operate anyway and got forgotten, stuffed away at the back of a cupboard.

3. The Partners:   This picture is of two people (with a PC in the background) shaking hands with the comment, "We're working together to make this place more productive and enjoyable." 

The 'Partnership Approach', as illustrated above, has been my method of facilitating Staff Development throughout my career.  When working as an Advisory Teacher for IT, it was always my concern that I should not appear to be some sort of 'hit-and-run' advisor either of 'The Judge' or 'Father Christmas'  image.  I always start with questions such as, "What are your needs or aspirations?  How can I help you do your job more efficiently, saving time, and with more job-satisfaction?"  It is questions like these, that I like to raise in face-to-face meetings.

◄