Active participation is a key element that must be balanced with the realities of limited time and the need to efficiently convey information. However, sacrificing an engaging, hands-on approach for a more didactic, telling experience often results in a less effective experience. Adults are motivated by practical applications and learning that is relevant to their own situations. This is particularly true for teachers struggling to juggle the multitude of demands on their time. Professional development will be most effective when it provides for direct application to the classroom.
Teachers are busy, preoccupied, and always juggling a variety of demands for their attention.