The workshop sounds interesting, the webinar is convenient, and a colleague recommends a course. You could spend a lot of time learning without addressing the task that's currently giving you trouble.
The handbook recommends choosing professional development through an assessment of your needs. Start with a real decision or capability, then look for the kind of support that fits.
Name the work you want to do better
Be specific: explaining feedback criteria, designing a study, facilitating discussion, or preparing for a new role. Identify what currently makes the task difficult. A broad wish to become more effective doesn't yet tell you which activity would help.
Use relevant feedback and your own observations to define the need.
Choose the form of support
A short consultation may resolve a focused question. A course may suit a skill needing guided practice. An observation or peer exchange may reveal something about your teaching that a general presentation won't show.
Read what the activity offers, who it's intended for, and what preparation it requires. Don't assume every session labeled advanced meets your particular need.
Look at appropriate local options first
Your library, teaching support unit, research office, colleagues, or professional organization may offer relevant help. Verify availability and access through their current information. Compare the opportunity with your schedule, resources, and other responsibilities.
A familiar contact can also help you find the right next source of support.
Plan a chance to apply the learning
Identify where you'll use it and what would help you judge the result. If the next opportunity is months away, decide whether learning now still makes sense or whether another need should come first.
Leave time for practice rather than filling every available hour with more training.
Review the choice afterward
What became clearer? What can you now do? What still needs work? Keep a short note for future planning. An activity that doesn't meet your expectation can still teach you how to choose the next one more carefully.
Before registering for another session, complete this sentence: 'I need help with ___, and this activity offers ___.' Check the connection against the actual description. You'll have a better reason to participate and a clearer way to use the time.
Adapted from The New Faculty Handbook by Zafer Unal, pp. 166-169.
