FINAL+COMMENTS

> It is hoped that the school coordinator has read and applies the guidelines that is listed for each of the Category workshops.
 * o There are people in my category 2 or 3 workshops who don’t know anything about the programme. (from participant and WSL perspective)

Workshop leaders should always clarify what the objectives of the workshop are from the very beginning and the workshop should continue as planned.

If it is just one or two participants it may be possible – after consultation with the Conference Coordinator – to switch them to a more suitable workshop. However, if numbers are big it may be necessary for one of the WSLs to take a small group aside or even ask the FR to provide some support…….for a session or two….not for the entire workshop! a) Check with conference coordinator…..a box of resources may be hiding under a table!
 * o I haven’t got enough resources for my workshop.

b) Check with other WSLs since it is possible that the resources got placed in the wrong room.

c) If the needed resources cannot be located, participants from the same school can be asked to share a workbook………..not the best solution….  The WSLs should first try and address the concerns, preferably at break time so as not to allow the individual to dominate the workshop.
 * o A particular participant is disrupting the workshop.

If disruption continues, the FR should step in. Observe workshop for a while ….and then talk to participant…again at break time in a private place.

If it continues, FR should consult with conference coordinator to try and move participant to another workshop.

Easy to write about this, difficult to do. Needless to say, moving the participant into another workshop should be the very last resource!!! a) Make sure it is not a distinction between policy and practice.
 * o A particular participant is maintaining that the WSL is incorrect in their interpretation of the IB documents.

b) If it is really about the interpretation of the documents the WSL should ask the FR to clarify

c) If there is still a disagreement tell participants that the final word comes from the office

d) Contact the office and make sure a response is given to participants.   The Conference coordinator is in charge. The FR talks to her to see how you can help. Do not take any decisions without consulting with Conference coordinator.   We all know how expensive professional development is and it is unbelievable that so many participants leave before the workshop is over.   Unfortunately participant evaluations no longer reflect the time spent by the participant in the workshop and it is unfair that workshop evaluations are completed by participants who have not attended the full workshop. This is something we need to discuss with IB quality assurance department.
 * o There is a major disaster in the area where the workshop is being held.
 * o Participants leaving before the workshops are over.

<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">We all agree this is an unfortunate situation but please abstain from saying anything to participants, by the time you learn they are leaving it is already too late to make a change.

<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">However, I do not think the WSLs should change their workshop plan in any way. The last sessions should be as powerful as all the others. Participants who do stay for a full workshop should get what they came for.

<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">During 2012, only in-school workshops will have the chance of getting two “remote sessions” rather than adding a third day….but this will be only temporary as all PYPworkshops have to be 10 one and a half hour sessions long….. <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Two issues here…..participants needing more time……check with conference coordinator if return time to the afternoon session can be delayed……this decision should not be taken in isolation as changes in the schedule can impact a lot of things. // The audio and / or videotaping of IB professional development workshops is strictly prohibited. Anyone in breach of this policy may be asked to leave, without refund of participation fees. //
 * o Lunch is late!
 * o A participant is video/audio taping the workshop with his i-phone/i-pad.
 * Please let the workshop leaders know about this concern at the faculty meeting, and ask them to re-iterate this at the beginning of their sessions.
 * If there is a breach, please give the participant a warning. If this continues after the warning, please confer with the conference coordinator regarding whether participant should be removed.
 * If anyone queries the policy, please let them know that materials in the workshops are the intellectual property of IB.

OH! I forgot to mention two very important things!!!!!! **__Field Trips at Regional Workshops__** Workshop Leaders are not permitted to take participants off-site for any reason. IBA event insurance does not provide for this type of movement, it prevents field representatives from being able to do their job effectively, and does not allow for any Quality Assurance oversight. **__Checking of Lanyards__** Please work with the conference coordinator to help check lanyards of participants before they enter for breakfast or lunch. There is usually only one conference coordinator on site, and at large venues (such as New York or Los Angeles) it would be impossible for one person to do this. This should only be for the first 10 – 15 minutes as participants enter. Please consider this an opportunity to help IB staff, as well as an opportunity to be visible to participants.