Reflecting on Practice is a professional learning program that immerses novice and experienced science educators in informal environments in discussions about, reflections on, and applications of research and theory in learning and teaching science. The ideas and tasks in the program create and strengthen a shared knowledge base and professional language among educators within an institution. It makes public the practices of all educators through greater understanding of, and reflections on, their beliefs, goals, and actions. There are three primary goals for the program:

1. Build shared language and understanding through delving into the literature on learning and teaching;
2. Engage practitioners in habits of reflections through observing their own teaching, as a means to develop their practice and make it public; and
3. Nurture a tradition of continued professional learning, and thereby build a professional learning community within an institution.

For more information: http://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/educators/rop

The Coaching Workshop is designed for managers, coordinators or department leaders at an informal education institution who plan to implement Reflecting on Practice for educators (staff or volunteers) at their own institution. It is highly recommended that two “champion” educators from an institution participate in the workshop if at all possible.“Champions” are staff that will pursue and lead the initial and sustained implementation of RoP within their institution. During the three day workshop we will provide participants with:

✦ Opportunities to experience the sessions and activities in the program;
✦ A complete curriculum guide,implementation models and some supporting materials;
✦ Connections with other informal (science)educators who plan to implement RoP;
✦ Help customizing the implementation models for their institution and needs;
✦ Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks each day; and
✦ Ongoing technical assistance to ensure successful implementation of the program and continued connection with RoP peers.

“Champion” educators participate in a Coaching Workshop to learn the program. These educators, in turn, use the Reflecting on Practice curriculum materials to implement the program with colleagues at their institutions over a period of 6 to14 months. In the modular-based program, participants engage in 14 interactive sessions and numerous reflective tasks to explore the six foundational knowledge components of informal science educators’ practice. One essential component worth highlighting is the observation of practice through the videotaping of and later reflection on an educator’s teaching. During these tasks, educators will watch, think and talk about their practice with colleagues in a safe and constructive manner.

Each Coaching Workshop participant will be asked to bring a video of them teaching or engaging an audience. More will be shared with participants prior to workshop.

3-Day Reflecting on Practice Coaching Workshop

Please have each participating member of your institution complete this application separately