Professional Learning Network

                                                                                                                                           By Corey Champ

The learning network portion of the program is an enjoyable process. Being a part of a PLN (professional learning network) is highly recommended. We have an abundance of networks to choose from within our district as well as on our own. This will enable growth outside of standard issued networks that are recommended. The COVA model comes to play. Meaning, anyone under the educational umbrella has a choice in which network they would like to sign with. This will create ownership and a sense of belonging to an online community related to education professionals. Learning from other professionals about their journey in education gives everyone a voice to be heard. This creates authenticity within every site because it’s personal, fulfilling, and catered to us, the people.

A few weeks ago we had to choose three new PLN’s and sign up. My favorite one out of the three was TCH (The Teaching Channel.) It felt right at home for me. Topics, videos, and a community tab are easily accessible and are related to the educational field. A few topics included are technology in the classroom, new teachers, lesson planning, next generation science standards, and English language learners to name a few. All subject matters and grade levels are included also. Videos included are new teacher coaching cycle, citizen science, use posters to create collaborative thinking and tech plus.

https://www.teachingchannel.org/

This portion of class collaboration was a needed topic. It gave myself and classmates a chance to network within our online program. We all come from different backgrounds, but we all share a common goal, improvement within our districts and lead in a constructive manner. I was impressed and intrigued at the same time because there are a vast amount of networks and tools to utilize. This is the beauty of technology. Having the world at your fingertips. By a touch on a tablet, phone, or laptop, a highway of information is ready to be discovered. Just how we communicate weekly, our students operate the same way. The Digital Leading and Learning program exhibit this process and is one of several reasons why it’s proven to be effective. As for myself, the digital age is part of my generation. Not everyone was born into this, they had to learn. Collaboration amongst all living generations quickly solves this minor issue because that’s what it is, minor. The same way we help one another out in class is the same way we can help our co-workers who aren’t fully technologically inclined. Once they receive help through collaboration, they can effectively teach their students in the digital era as well. I left a link to help educators who may need some help when dealing with technology.

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/help-teachers-struggling-with-technology-josh-work

I copied this from a previous discussion post of mine.

Three ways to deal with a chatty classroom

“Start off quiet.” I like how she holds a sign while greeting students at the door. The sign says, “I love a silent start.”

The second method works quite well, I’ve actually seen my team mate apply this method, it’s the “silent signal” method. Sign language gestures which include agreement, clarification, volume, keep going, and complete sentence.

“Teach students to use talk moves.”  For example, using talk moves to channel chattiness into productive talk. A student may be called upon to answer a question and another may check out due to this. Talk moves will enable a teacher to ask the chatty student to chime in on what has been said. This will create an awareness to pay attention. Even though a question is being answered, there’s a great chance that someone will have to add to the previous statement.

Questions to ponder with a chatty classroom

How does a silent start affect classroom culture?

What silent signals could you use in your classroom?

How does using talk moves encourage productive talk?

https://www.teachingchannel.org/video/manage-talkative-class

New Teacher Survival Guide

The mentor and mentee collaborate in order to achieve productivity within the classroom. As most of us know, having a mentor is important. They help first year teachers ease into the process. Being new to education can be an overwhelming process for some. Being thrown into action, so to speak, happens most of the time. Mentors are there for guidance and sometimes a lending ear to listen when venting is needed. This video clip is reassurance towards the feelings that many experience. To witness this is moving because we are different yet going through some of the same experiences at different times. I can’t stress this enough, we’re in this together. With a strong team present, transitioning into the world of education can be a humbling and rewarding experience. This video is a proven theory of my statement. Remember, there’s no “I” in team. We move together as one unit.

 https://www.teachingchannel.org/video/mentoring-for-new-teachers

September 30, 2018 1:27 AM