Previously we reported on the capacity development for Free State District Teacher Development Centre Managers and their supervisors, the CES: Education, Management and Support. The capacitation consists of several components, such as: a study visit to the Western Cape Provincial Education Department, a training on monitoring and evaluation skills for PLCs and two workshops addressing specific, identified needs. The purpose of this learning path is to better coordinate, implement and monitor all teacher development initiatives in their districts.
During the first workshop, which took place from 28 to 30 June 2016 in Kroonstad, participants focused on shaping the direction and development of the DTDC and the development of self and others.
From 7 to 9 September 2016, the second workshop took place. Participants started by reporting the progress which was made by each DTDC in implementation of the plans to become a centre of excellence and on the implementation of the systems and leadership skills taught at workshop 1.
This workshop focused on a variety of leadership skills: goal setting, time and stress management, emotional intelligence, how to build confidence, how to manage difficult people, how to develop and coach the team, how to do a performance review, …. Via a communication game participants reflected on their communication skills and the clarity of their instructions. Another exercise, participants examined an opportunity or problem from all points of view, which helped them to come up with solutions taking different perspectives into account.
A lot of time was invested in the reviewing of the existing monitoring tool for DTDCs. Participants completed the existing DTDC monitoring tool and made suggestions for improvements. This process triggered interesting discussions about how DTDCs could really be centres of excellence.
Lastly, participants engaged in stakeholder communication.
Throughout the workshop, participants identified lessons learned that can be directly implemented in their workplace. They left the workshop with a personal implementation plan and a certificate of completion.
The workshop was facilitated by Billion Child Foundation.
More pictures can be found here.
