On this episode of The Best of Us, we’re honored to talk with Dr. Thomas Guskey, author of Instructional Feedback: The Power, the Promise, the Practice and nationally-renowned expert on education measurement and evaluation.

Dr. Guskey’s evaluation framework is an adapted version of the Kirkpatrick four-level model of evaluation used in business fields. Early attempts to apply this model to teacher PD were unsuccessful, leading him to create a model specifically for education settings that considers systemic support and change.

Dr. Guskey takes us through the why’s and how’s of his five-level model for professional learning evaluation, plus what the research says on PD’s impact on students. We also talk about managing learning versus managing learners, overcoming organizational barriers to PD success, and the surprising lessons Pac-Man can bring to the classroom.

Listen now:

Motivating Principles Behind Professional Learning (00:02:04): The roots of Dr. Guskey’s interest with teacher change and instructional effectiveness.

‍Professional Learning Evaluation (00:03:28): Discussion of Dr. Guskey's article emphasizing the importance of evaluating professional learning's impact.

‍Importance of Evaluation in Professional Learning (00:05:06): Highlighting evaluation as a crucial aspect of planning effective professional learning experiences.

‍Findings from Rachel Garrett's Analysis (00:05:58): Exploring key findings on teacher professional learning and its effects on student outcomes.

‍Disconnect Between Teacher Practices and Student Learning (00:08:23): Dr. Guskey discusses the perplexing gap between improved teaching practices and student learning outcomes.

‍Understanding Root Causes vs. Symptoms (00:08:49): The need to identify underlying causes of educational challenges rather than just addressing symptoms.

‍Identifying Root Causes in Professional Learning (00:11:45): Strategies for district leaders to uncover true educational needs.

‍Video Games as a Model for Engagement (00:13:37): Using video games to illustrate how success can motivate students in learning.

Video Games and Student Success (00:15:46): Discussion on how video games are designed to ensure success and maintain student engagement.

Building on Student Momentum (00:17:36): Discusses how initial success increases student engagement and motivation for further learning.

Development of the Five-Level Evaluation Model (00:17:51): Dr. Guskey explains the origins and purpose of his five-level evaluation model for professional learning.

Adapting the Model for Education (00:19:53): Revising Kirkpatrick's model to include organizational support for effective teacher training.

The Role of Organizational Support (00:21:00): The importance of organizational support in ensuring successful implementation of professional learning.

Planning Professional Learning Backward (00:22:03): Starting with desired student outcomes when planning professional learning experiences.

Diverse Evidence of Student Learning (00:23:07): Indicators of student learning and the differing perceptions among educators regarding their validity.

The Importance of Organizational Support (00:26:08): Effective organizational support, particularly from school leaders, is crucial for professional learning success.

Follow-Up Support After Training (00:26:42): Ongoing support and collaboration among teachers after initial professional learning sessions.

Structuring Time for Collaboration (00:28:40): The necessity of structured time for teachers to collaborate effectively and implement new ideas.

The Role of Building Leaders (00:30:33): How building leaders play a pivotal role in planning and supporting professional learning initiatives.

Challenges in Implementing New Practices (00:32:36): Considers barriers that prevent principals from adopting effective professional learning practices, despite their openness.

Teacher Feedback Preferences (00:32:46): Teachers prefer feedback on student engagement and impact, not just on their teaching practices.

Evaluating Effective Teaching (00:33:49): Discussion on the importance of evaluating teaching effectiveness based on student presence and learning outcomes.

Complexities of Teacher Evaluation (00:35:33): Teacher evaluation is contextually complex and varies greatly depending on the environment and student demographics.

Planning for Effective Teaching (00:39:04): Successful teachers plan with multiple approaches to meet diverse student needs, ensuring clarity in learning objectives.

Characteristics of Great Teachers (00:41:05): Great teachers are defined by their practices, not personality traits, focusing on clear learning goals and expectations.

Aligning Assessments with Learning Goals (00:42:41): Aligning assessments with curriculum goals to ensure valid evaluations of student learning.