Module 3 Assignment
Gilbert Faustin
DR. STEVE GREGOR
EDU 610
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND THEORY
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By definition, training activities are focused on achieving change: "The universal goal is to make a transition from a certain specific state of knowledge (or lack thereof) and skills among a specific group of people to a state which is defined as superior, improved and more useful in the context of achieving some pre-defined goals." (Trutkowski, 2016)
Furthermore, he stated, "A training activity in the life of an organization means that there is a striving to achieve a different—and, by definition, better—and desirable state of its operation." (Trutkowski, 2016) Training needs arise from constraints or imperfections in human activity, primarily deficiencies in knowledge or skills. A training needs analysis aims to find reasons for promoting adequate performance and determine the actions needed to launch a development process. For that process to be effective and efficient, one needs to conduct an initial in-depth analysis of the training required when the new Math textbooks were adopted.
Teachers are lifelong learners and can adapt or operate in any situation. This year, in the state of Florida, new mathematic books, standards, assessments based on Benchmark for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.), and a new learning management system called Savvas Realize have been rolled out to the dismay of my colleagues. Some training took place during the vacation, and most teachers did not attend.
District personnel is also without answers to the many questions being asked by teachers, parents, and students. This begs the question, did no one follow any need analysis models? As stated by Allison Rossett, "When a needs analysis is conducted, it allows an instructional designer to gather information about the following factors, Optimal performance, actual performance, feelings, causes and solutions." (Rossett, 1995)
She further stated that they are four kinds of causes why individuals, in this case, teachers, are not performing as they should:
• They lack the skill or knowledge
• The environment is in the way
• There are no, few, or improper incentives
• The employees are unmotivated
• Solutions, what solutions are possible?
To resolve this problematic rollout to teachers, I will examine the causes. Did politics play a role? Truly! In a Tampa Bay Times op-ed, veteran math educator Brian Dean expressed a perspective shared by many: "The Florida Standards, what we have in schools now and were just reviewed and revised a few years ago, are good academic standards." (Wilson, 2019) He later added, "Let's not throw away all the good work done in school. Let's make appropriate changes to update and strengthen the current standards that are putting students on the path to academic success." (Wilson, 2019)
Nonetheless, Common Core was thrown away and replaced with B.E.S.T. Broward County Schools offered teachers points to come out during the summer vacation to attend a few training sessions, but few did. The incentive provided, or lack of, was laughable.
Furthermore, a new learning management system (L.M.S.) called Savvas Realize was thrown into the mix with the textbook. This came about as the support for the new Envision math textbook. This new L.M.S. is not compatible with Canvas. The new math textbook is digitally well equipped and better than the previous. And teachers at my work location are still confused about how best to utilize the new instructional material and its components for instructions.
In summary, with so many needs analysis models available, it is a bit disconcerting that the district did not use them thoroughly to promote teacher training. And this is key to rolling out any new instructional material. With weekly textbook training, teachers and students are not so confused about my work location.
References
Brown, A. H., and Green, T. D. (2016), The essentials of instructional design: Connecting fundamental principles with process and practice (3rd Ed.) Routledge, NY, NY
Rossett, A (2009). First things fast A handbook for performance analysis (2nd ed.) New York:
John Wiley & Sons.
Trutkowski, C. (2016, December). Training needs analysis and national training strategies. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://rm.coe.int/tna-and-nts-training-needs-analysis-and-national-training-strategies-h/1680746e54
Wilson, D. (2019, December 3). A better model for improving Florida standards. Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://floridapolitics.com/archives/312496-a-better-model-for-improving-florida-standards/
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