Professional Development Focus Group Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:35 – 5:10 pm New Science Building Conference Room Participants: David Hartman, Michelle Powell, Lisa Duncan, Robert Powell, George Clayton Faculty Training Faculty training might include the following: 1.    Active Learning 2.    Integration of Topics (Skills) 3.    Critical Thinking and Reading 4.    Learning Styles 5.    Ability to relate to students (such as, generational differences) 6.    Connecting material to real life use 7.    Role of faculty member Group Recommendations •    Develop modules that have stand-alone assignments, activities, assessments, etc. so faculty can easily incorporate them into their courses. •    Create training that is hybrid so that those who are comfortable with technology have an alternative to on-site training. •    Deliver training during all semesters.  Fall and spring will accommodate 10-month employees.  The summer session is typically the slowest for 12-month employees.  If 10-month employees are required to train during the summer, consider compensation for the time on-site.  Need to keep in mind that some 10-month employees work other jobs while off-contract with CCCC. •    All training would go toward required staff development hours for full-time employees. •    Include training during Staff Development Day. •    Mandatory training will likely be necessary. •    There are some excellent employees who might serve as in-house trainer(s) •    All campus locations should be included in the training.  Morning and afternoon sessions would be needed. Further Questions 1. Would modules need to be developed prior to training? Some materials would need development; however, best instructional practices training could begin before modules are developed. 2. Some faculty members do not have the skills that we are proposing to teach our students.  How do we diplomatically approach individuals to ensure they participate in the needed training? Service Support Training Group Recommendations •    Within the realm of Effective Communication, writing workshops would be useful •    Customer service training might touch upon several of the BASICS skills •    Would support the train-the-trainer concept with a trainer on each of the main campuses •    An academy concept that is ready to address skills needing improvement has worked in industry and might be appropriate to implement here. •    Mandatory training will likely be necessary. •    All training would go toward required staff development hours for full-time employees. Further Questions 1. How would deficiencies be identified? 2. How would skills eventually be tied to the performance review?