NLSI Professional Learning Series

Based on this review of the literature, the NLSI Professional Learning Series is structured around statements that guide our actions when teaching teachers.  These practices embody those aspects that Wells (2007) and Garet, Porter, Desimone, Birman and Yoon (2001) identified as critical to the successful implementation of teacher learning and are consistent with the core beliefs of NLSI.  NLSI professional learning series is dedicated to achieving student success through inquiry based activities that are:

Learner Centered

    • Teachers are the key to improving student learning;
    • Teachers should be treated as intelligent professionals capable of understanding powerful mathematics;
    • Teachers’ background knowledge, skills, beliefs and experiences vary considerably and should be respected.

Practical

    • Professional learning must relate directly to the classroom.

Collaborative

    • Teachers should have opportunities for meaningful interaction with colleagues.

Engaging

    • Teachers should have opportunities to observe successful use/implementation of technology;
    • Teachers will participate actively in learning the software and successful implementation strategies.

Customize

    • Each workshop is customized to support the instructional framework and learning goals of each district;
    • Each workshop can be customized to focus on specific strands within the Common Core State Standards (e.g. Fractions, Patterning/Algebraic Thinking, etc.).

Goals of NLSI Professional Learning

The following are the goals of the Neufeld Learning Systems Incorporated professional learning series. 

  1. To improve student learning through better understanding of math concepts;
  2. To contribute meaningfully and substantially to teachers continued learning;
  3. To model and support efficient use of NLSI software;
  4. To model and support effective integration of technology within the mathematics program and classroom.

The NLSI Professional Learning Series is organized into three distinct workshops; Level 100, 200 and 300.

Level 100 Workshop Goals

The first workshop of the NLSI professional learning series is focused primarily on the third goal that is ‘To model and support efficient use of NLSI software.’ In order to achieve the other goals, this is the starting point.  The more specific goals of this workshop are for the participants to be able to:

  • Understand and discuss the 6 grounding principles of NLSI.
    • Conceptual understanding is achieved by:
      • Interactivity;
      • Learning from mistakes;
      • Multiple representations of concepts;
      • Moving from concrete to abstract;
      • Pacing controlled by the learner;
      • Using a wide variety of teaching strategies.
  • Navigate the software Understanding Math/Understanding Numeration.
  • Locate topic tests and cumulative check.

A questionnaire will be used to assess participants’ reactions to the first workshop in the series.  A positive reaction to professional learning is the first step towards achieving the larger goals of the professional learning series.

Level 200 Workshop Goals

The main focus of the second workshop is on implementation strategies for Understanding Math and Understanding Numeration in the classroom.  The fourth goal of the professional learning series is at the heart of this workshop: ‘To model and support effective integration of technology within the mathematics program and classroom.’  In the level 200 workshop, participants will:

  • Understand different classroom and group structures for integrating Understanding Math;
  • Have opportunities to explore the theory and supporting research and apply this knowledge to the classroom;
  • Develop an assessment task and rubric to evaluate student learning;
  • Plan a unit using Understanding Math and other classroom resources.

Level 300 Workshop Goals

The main focus of the third workshop is on teacher moderated assessment of student work.  The major focus on the entire professional learning series, and this workshop in particular, are on these crucial goals:

  1. To improve student learning through better understanding of math concepts;
  2. To contribute meaningfully and substantially to teachers continued learning.

In the level 300 workshop, participants will:

  • Evaluate and discuss evidence of student success;
  • Revise the unit and assessment task from level 200 (if time allows);
  • Share challenges and successes.

Professional Learning Series Fee Schedule

  • Half Day Workshops - $1,500.00;
  • Full Day Workshops - $3,000.00.