Well I had my external observation for Delta 2 a few weeks ago and the following day it was all over. How did I feel? Strange, weird and numb come to mind.
As someone who cares deeply about personal development (whether mine or that of colleagues), I wanted to let the dust settle before posting my reflections. I think you'll understand why if you get to the end of this...
For those who are not quite sure what a Delta module 2 involves, here's a summary: you complete 4 "projects" know as Language Skills or Systems Assignments. Each "LSA" involves writing a 2,500 word essay about a topic you have chosen to study, a lesson plan setting out how you are going to teach a related lesson and delivery of that lesson. The first three LSAs are assessed by your tutors and the fourth is assessed by an external assessor. You also write a Professional Development Assignment.
Without doubt Delta 2 was the hardest piece of personal or professional development I have ever done. By a mile. I have a masters and had other stressful jobs before I became a teacher so although I was expecting a lot of work, I never doubted I could cope. I skimmed the pre-course disclaimer about the level of work required and duly signed it whilst wondering what the fuss was all about. Now I know.
But I got through it and in a couple of months will find out if I passed.
Did I enjoy the process? Not really to be honest. The volume of work required and the regularity of the deadlines were almost overwhelming.
Am I a better teacher for completing the course? Without doubt. My planning and time management have improved significantly and the benefits were showing early in the course. I am using class time so much more effectively it is amazing how much time I have "found" in my hour classes. It's early days but students certainly seem to be learning more and I have more time to develop learning points and other activities.
Would I do it all again? Yes, but I'd be more prepared. Part way through the course I felt out of my depth and started wondering if I should have delayed the course (I had been teaching for four years when I started).
Things I'd do again
I was really fortunate that my regional tutor was able to put me in touch with someone else who was doing the same course who also lived in Córdoba. Having someone to meet for a coffee and a moan every couple of weeks was hugely important. Knowing someone else was going through the same process and that they felt the same as me was invaluable. Both my regional and on line tutor were incredibly supportive and helped me get through the process but if you can meet a local candidate, do.
Practice the observed lessons. Some of my lessons repeat so this meant I could test out the lessons before they are observed/assessed. Not only does this mean your observed lesson has had the opportunity to improved it also helps you improve your lesson planning process. Every time a lesson was practiced, I learnt more about planning, particularly in terms of anticipating problems and drafting instruction checking and concept checking questions.
Things I'd do differently
A friend's advice (which I received after I'd finished the module!) was that in preparing for each part of Delta, it is vital to do as much background reading as possible. You won't have time to read everything you want to during the course. This is so true. I've already started my background reading for Module 3 and haven't even registered for a course yet!
Reflections on the process
There are different ways to do Module. I chose the 13 week online course with a regional tutor as it was the only one practical for me (I couldn't take time of work, wanted to keep summer free etc). People have said 13 weeks is too short and the course should be extended. I disagree. I think that almost whatever length it is there could be more to read, more to study, more redrafting to be done. It needs to have a deadline. The deadlines were horrible - I never thought I'd hear myself say "that'll have to do" for something so important and, let's face it, so expensive - but they are just about manageable.
The Professional Development Assignment seems to be a bit of a "nice add on" in the process. For me it should have been one of the most important aspects but the fact that you can fail it and still pass Module 2 relegates its importance as you race against other deadlines. I really think this is something for Cambridge to look at.
Now what?
As mentioned, I've started doing my background reading for Module 3 - hopefully it will be equally as rewarding but hopefully a bit more manageable. We'll see. Hopefully I can submit everything by December.
The danger of finishing any piece of personal development near the end of a year is that all will be forgotten by the start of the next one. My challenge is to make sure this doesn't happen - and I'm confident that the experience I've gone through will benefit my students, my lessons and myself for years to come.
Oh, and I've just been accepted to talk at the ACEIA conference in November...
As someone who cares deeply about personal development (whether mine or that of colleagues), I wanted to let the dust settle before posting my reflections. I think you'll understand why if you get to the end of this...
For those who are not quite sure what a Delta module 2 involves, here's a summary: you complete 4 "projects" know as Language Skills or Systems Assignments. Each "LSA" involves writing a 2,500 word essay about a topic you have chosen to study, a lesson plan setting out how you are going to teach a related lesson and delivery of that lesson. The first three LSAs are assessed by your tutors and the fourth is assessed by an external assessor. You also write a Professional Development Assignment.
Without doubt Delta 2 was the hardest piece of personal or professional development I have ever done. By a mile. I have a masters and had other stressful jobs before I became a teacher so although I was expecting a lot of work, I never doubted I could cope. I skimmed the pre-course disclaimer about the level of work required and duly signed it whilst wondering what the fuss was all about. Now I know.
But I got through it and in a couple of months will find out if I passed.
Did I enjoy the process? Not really to be honest. The volume of work required and the regularity of the deadlines were almost overwhelming.
Am I a better teacher for completing the course? Without doubt. My planning and time management have improved significantly and the benefits were showing early in the course. I am using class time so much more effectively it is amazing how much time I have "found" in my hour classes. It's early days but students certainly seem to be learning more and I have more time to develop learning points and other activities.
Would I do it all again? Yes, but I'd be more prepared. Part way through the course I felt out of my depth and started wondering if I should have delayed the course (I had been teaching for four years when I started).
Things I'd do again
I was really fortunate that my regional tutor was able to put me in touch with someone else who was doing the same course who also lived in Córdoba. Having someone to meet for a coffee and a moan every couple of weeks was hugely important. Knowing someone else was going through the same process and that they felt the same as me was invaluable. Both my regional and on line tutor were incredibly supportive and helped me get through the process but if you can meet a local candidate, do.
Practice the observed lessons. Some of my lessons repeat so this meant I could test out the lessons before they are observed/assessed. Not only does this mean your observed lesson has had the opportunity to improved it also helps you improve your lesson planning process. Every time a lesson was practiced, I learnt more about planning, particularly in terms of anticipating problems and drafting instruction checking and concept checking questions.
Things I'd do differently
A friend's advice (which I received after I'd finished the module!) was that in preparing for each part of Delta, it is vital to do as much background reading as possible. You won't have time to read everything you want to during the course. This is so true. I've already started my background reading for Module 3 and haven't even registered for a course yet!
Reflections on the process
There are different ways to do Module. I chose the 13 week online course with a regional tutor as it was the only one practical for me (I couldn't take time of work, wanted to keep summer free etc). People have said 13 weeks is too short and the course should be extended. I disagree. I think that almost whatever length it is there could be more to read, more to study, more redrafting to be done. It needs to have a deadline. The deadlines were horrible - I never thought I'd hear myself say "that'll have to do" for something so important and, let's face it, so expensive - but they are just about manageable.
The Professional Development Assignment seems to be a bit of a "nice add on" in the process. For me it should have been one of the most important aspects but the fact that you can fail it and still pass Module 2 relegates its importance as you race against other deadlines. I really think this is something for Cambridge to look at.
Now what?
As mentioned, I've started doing my background reading for Module 3 - hopefully it will be equally as rewarding but hopefully a bit more manageable. We'll see. Hopefully I can submit everything by December.
The danger of finishing any piece of personal development near the end of a year is that all will be forgotten by the start of the next one. My challenge is to make sure this doesn't happen - and I'm confident that the experience I've gone through will benefit my students, my lessons and myself for years to come.
Oh, and I've just been accepted to talk at the ACEIA conference in November...