Nancy Peter
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The document discusses the importance of peer networking as a professional development tool for out-of-school time (OST) staff through the Out-of-School Time Resource Center (OSTRC). It explores research findings on the distinct elements of networking meetings, their similarities and differences, and the impact of professional development activities on participant growth. Suggestions for enhancing community building and effective networking practices within the OST field are also provided.
Nancy Peter
- 1. Peer Networking as Professional Development for Out-of-School Time Staff Nancy Peter, M.Ed. May 11, 2012
- 2. Introduction Nancy Peter Background in environmental education, museum education, and informal science education Have worked in the OST (out-of-school time) field for 12 years Founded the OSTRC in 2003
- 3. Introduction Out-of-School Time Resource Center (OSTRC) Supports staff who support children and youth Housed in the School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania Offers newsletter, website, Online Training Calendar, Document Library, Peer Networking Meetings, Regional Directories, individual consultations, and more Conducts research on and evaluates OST professional development (PD)
- 4. Study Sites Peer Networking Meetings/PNM Philadelphia Afterschool Matters Practitioner Fellowship Program/PFP Youth Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition Networking Seminars/YSFN
- 5. Research Questions What are the distinct and important elements of these meetings? How are these three peer communities similar? How are they different? Do these professional development activities translate into impact?
- 6. Literature Review Out-of-school time Professional development for OST staff Professional development for classroom teachers Peer networking
- 7. Framework/Methodology Action research Electronic surveys Meeting observations Focus groups Individual interviews
- 8. Limitations/Considerations Self-reported information Short duration Voluntary participation Not generalizable Evolving questions Finite amount of time Personal involvement
- 9. Research Findings: Sorted By Data-Collection Methods Downloaded and graphed quantitative data. Coded and looked for themes in qualitative data.
- 10. Research Findings: Sorted By Themes and Sub-Themes Meeting Components (Theme #1) Participant Impact (Theme #2) Administration Acquisition of new information, Audience participation and involvement knowledge, or resources Community and group dynamics Engagement, enjoyment, and interest Dialogue and discussion Personal and professional growth Diversity Environment and climate Workplace/Workforce Application (Theme #3) Facilitation and facilitators Implementation Insiders/outsiders Organizational support Meeting support Sharing information with co-workers and Networking and interaction colleagues Relationships and partnerships Panelists Relevance to OST field Topic
- 11. Research Findings: Sorted By Research Questions Research Question One: What are the distinct and important elements of these meetings? Administration and facilitation Audience participation, dialogue, and networking Community, diversity, and insiders/outsiders Environment and support Panelists and topics
- 12. Research Findings: Sorted By Research Questions Research Question Two: How are these three peer communities similar? How are they different? Relationships vs. networking Personal vs. interpersonal growth Mentors vs. presenters
- 13. Research Findings: Sorted By Research Questions Research Question Three: Do these professional development activities translate into impact? Engagement and enjoyment Acquisition of new information Implementation, organizational support, and sharing Relationships, partnerships, and personal growth
- 14. Suggestions for the Field Understand the audience and intent Identify goals and objectives Integrate promising practices Administration – Participation, dialogue, and networking – Environment and support – Panelists and topics
- 15. Suggestions for the Field Build communities – What type of community do you wish to build? – What will it take to sustain this community? – How will you define and ensure diversity? – How will you make everyone feel welcome? Provide networking assistance Promote application Evaluate the meetings
- 16. The End Nancy Peter. Ed.D. npeter@sp2.upenn.edu; 215-898-0640