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ContinueUP Development Diary #2
How to align two teams even when they work separately?
ContinueUP Development Diary is a series of articles updating initial teacher educators (ITE), continuous professional development (CPD) trainers, as well as teachers about the progress made in the development of the ContinueUP project; In this series we explain the challenges encountered and how we address them, evaluating the complex process of co-creation that involves ITE and CPD providers from three countries.
The first study visit took place in Madrid
Welcome back to the second installment of the ContinueUP Development Diary!
In this article, we take a look at the insights gleaned from our three-day study visit in Madrid back in January. With sleeves rolled up, our international consortium of initial teacher education (ITE) and continuous professional development (CPD) providers delved into the heart of co-creation and co-delivery.
The study visit consisted of learning about local teacher education and training practices, working separately on the ITE Module and CPD MOOC and convening at joint meetings to share with each other the updates on the progress and collect feedback. The study visit helped strengthen the bond within the consortium and gave shape to the outline and first details of the education and training programme. The consortium also took a moment from their work to think about their way of co-creating in a “reflection session”, which revealed some interesting mutual insights.
Finding common ground for three countries and across the ITE-CPD divide
Prior to the study visit, partners had already put effort into finding common ground to specify the learning objectives, target proficiency levels and estimated workload for the teacher education and training programme. However, at the beginning of the study visit it became clear that expectations for the programme were still too far apart. After initial joint discussions without a clear outcome the agenda was spontaneously adjusted, allowing for ITE and CPD partners to have separate meetings to discuss how far they were willing to compromise. Finally, an ad-hoc joint session was called, where an agreement could be finally reached.
Creating more opportunities for cross-pollination
The study visit was not just a mere exchange of ideas; every partner contributed to shaping the project's trajectory. Through open dialogue and mutual respect, partners nurtured an environment conducive to growth and innovation. Nevertheless, during the study visit it already became apparent that ITE and CPD partners proceeded very differently with the work. Accordingly, a key conclusion reached from the study visit was to ensure that more exchange and transparency between the two sides was needed to avoid a situation where both sides worked alongside each other but without taking sufficiently into account the other sides’s work.
Moving forward, partners therefore committed to more frequent exchanges and introducing the concept of a "learning spy" to bridge the gap between ITE and CPD partners. This means that one person from the ITE team will join the CPD team meetings as an observer and feedback provider for a few weeks in rotation, and vice versa. This cross-pollination of ideas promises to infuse their work with new perspectives, while ensuring that the content of the Module and the MOOC are aligned and provide sufficient continuity.
Importance of informal exchanges
Another key outcome from the study visit was the realization that the partners needed to get to know each other better so as to facilitate a more trusting and transparent co-creation process. More opportunities for informal exchanges were needed to allow partners to build trust and ensure a better understanding of the other partner’s perspectives. This was set as a key goal for the 2nd study visit.
