What is an Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW)?
The Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) is a comprehensive three-tiered instructor development program that serves as the foundation for several professional development activities. The ISW is offered within a small group setting and is designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators.
A Comprehensive Instructor Development Program
The Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) Program is a comprehensive three-tiered instructor development program that serves as the foundation for several professional development activities. The program is designed to provide educators with the skills and knowledge they need to be effective teachers. The ISW is offered within a small group setting and is designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators. The ISW program is also an effective tool to support student success and retention.
A Peer-Based Approach to Enhancing Teaching Skills
The ISW is widely recognized around the world as a model for peer-based instructional development; The ISW is designed to strengthen instructors’ skills through intensive and practical exercises in learning-centered teaching. The workshop encourages reflection and examination of one’s own teaching practices and focuses on the learning process rather than the specific content of a lesson. During the workshop, participants design and conduct three mini-lessons and receive verbal, written, and video feedback from other participants who have been learners in the mini-lessons.
The Benefits of Attending an ISW
The ISW program is an effective tool to support student success and retention.
Refining Instructional Techniques
Participants refine their teaching techniques through the mini-lessons, and with guided practice and feedback, gain valuable insights into their teaching style. The ISW encourages examination of teaching practices with feedback focused on the learning process rather than on the specific content of the lesson. Effective feedback skills, practiced in the workshop, are useful for educators in the classroom and also as they conduct their regular institutional business.
Fostering Engaging Learning Environments
The ISW promotes participatory learning and community building and encourages examination of teaching practices with feedback focused on the learning process rather than on the specific content of the lesson. Effective feedback skills, practiced in the workshop, are useful for educators in the classroom and also as they conduct their regular institutional business. The ISW program is also an effective tool to support student success and retention.
Integrating Best Practices
The ISW encourages reflection and examination of one’s own teaching practices and focuses on the learning process rather than the specific content of a lesson. This program is designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators using an intensive experiential approach. The ISW program is also an effective tool to support student success and retention.
Key Components of an ISW
The ISW program is an internationally-recognized certificate program that offers small-group skill development for educators.
Micro-Teaching and Peer Feedback
A cornerstone of the ISW is micro-teaching, where participants deliver short, focused lessons to their peers. This allows for close observation and constructive feedback on teaching practices. The feedback process involves a combination of video recording, written comments, and direct, supportive discussions among participants. This collaborative approach helps educators refine their instructional skills, identify areas for improvement, and learn from each other’s experiences.
Lesson Planning and Design
The ISW program emphasizes the importance of effective lesson planning and design. Participants learn evidence-informed techniques for creating engaging and impactful learning experiences. This involves defining clear learning objectives, selecting appropriate instructional strategies, and developing assessments that align with the intended outcomes. By focusing on these key elements, participants gain the skills to create well-structured lessons that promote student learning and engagement.
Classroom Facilitation and Feedback Skills
The ISW program equips participants with the necessary skills to effectively facilitate classroom discussions, manage group activities, and provide constructive feedback to students. Participants learn how to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas. They also develop techniques for delivering feedback that is specific, timely, and actionable, helping students to improve their understanding and performance.
The ISW Program⁚ A Global Initiative
The ISW program has gained international recognition for its effectiveness in improving teaching practices and has been implemented in various educational settings around the world.
Origin and History
The Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) was conceived in British Columbia, Canada in 1979. It was initially created as a successful professional development initiative for educators seeking to enhance their teaching abilities. Since its inception, the ISW program has expanded its reach, with hundreds of educators serving as ISW Facilitators, offering workshops in various institutions, including colleges, institutes, universities, polytechnics, hospitals, government departments, non-profits, and training organizations worldwide;
International Recognition and Impact
The ISW has gained widespread recognition as a model for peer-based instructional development, earning a global reputation for its effectiveness. The program has been adopted and implemented in diverse educational settings, including universities, colleges, and professional training organizations. Its impact is evidenced by its contribution to enhancing teaching effectiveness, supporting student success and retention, and fostering a supportive learning environment for educators and learners alike.
Types of ISW Workshops
The ISW program offers various workshop formats tailored to specific needs, including Facilitator Development Workshop (FDW) and Trainer Development Workshop.
Facilitator Development Workshop (FDW)
The Facilitator Development Workshop (FDW) is an intensive 40-hour workshop held over five days that prepares participants to deliver the ISW to others. The FDW involves four or five faculty participating in three roles⁚ instructor, learner, and facilitator. Led by one or two Trainers from the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) Network, the core of the FDW is another Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) with the further skill of facilitation as the primary focus.
Trainer Development Workshop
The Trainer Development Workshop (TDW) is the third tier of the ISW program and focuses on preparing individuals to lead the Facilitator Development Workshop. This workshop is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and experience to facilitate the FDW effectively. The TDW involves a rigorous training process, including intensive practice sessions, feedback from experienced trainers, and the development of a comprehensive understanding of the ISW program’s core principles and methodologies.
The ISW Handbook⁚ A Resource for Facilitators
The ISW Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for facilitators, providing practical resources and support for delivering effective workshops.
Content and Structure
The ISW Handbook is meticulously structured to provide facilitators with a comprehensive toolkit for effective workshop delivery. It encompasses a wealth of information, including sample memorandums, schedules, supply lists, and a variety of ISW and FDW feedback forms. This detailed content aims to equip facilitators with the necessary resources to plan and execute successful workshops.
Practical Applications and Support
The ISW Handbook is more than just a theoretical guide; it serves as a practical resource for facilitators. It offers valuable insights and strategies for implementing ISWs and FDWs, empowering facilitators to confidently navigate the intricacies of workshop design and delivery. The handbook’s practical approach ensures that facilitators have the tools and support necessary to create engaging and impactful workshops.
ISW Network⁚ A Community of Educators
The ISW Network provides a platform for educators to connect, share resources, and collaborate on best practices.
Connecting with ISW Facilitators and Participants
The ISW Network facilitates connections between ISW facilitators and participants, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. This network allows educators to exchange ideas, seek guidance, and learn from each other’s experiences. The ISW Network provides a platform for ongoing support and professional growth, ensuring that the benefits of the ISW program extend beyond the initial workshop experience.
Sharing Resources and Best Practices
The ISW Network is a valuable resource for educators, providing access to a wealth of materials and best practices. The network offers a platform for sharing lesson plans, teaching strategies, and innovative approaches to instruction. This collaborative environment allows educators to learn from each other, refine their teaching skills, and stay abreast of current trends in education. By sharing resources and best practices, the ISW Network promotes a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the educational community.
The Impact of ISWs on Teaching and Learning
ISWs have a profound impact on teaching and learning, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the educational community.
Enhancing Teaching Effectiveness
Instructional Skills Workshops (ISWs) play a crucial role in enhancing teaching effectiveness by providing educators with the tools and strategies needed to create engaging and impactful learning experiences. Through interactive sessions, participants refine their instructional techniques, explore evidence-informed lesson planning methods, and gain valuable insights into fostering active student participation. The ISW program equips educators with the skills to effectively deliver content, facilitate discussions, and provide constructive feedback, ultimately leading to improved student learning outcomes.
Supporting Student Success and Retention
ISWs directly contribute to student success and retention by empowering educators to create a supportive and engaging learning environment. By equipping instructors with the skills to effectively facilitate learning, provide personalized feedback, and address individual student needs, ISWs foster a positive learning experience that motivates students to actively participate and achieve their academic goals. The program’s focus on building learning communities and promoting reflective teaching practices further enhances student engagement and ultimately leads to improved retention rates.
Building Learning Communities
ISWs promote the development of learning communities within educational institutions by fostering collaboration and shared understanding among educators. Through the program’s participatory approach, instructors engage in peer-to-peer feedback, share best practices, and learn from one another’s experiences. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community, encourages professional growth, and ultimately leads to a more supportive and enriching learning experience for students.