Weekly PD: Rather than professional development via structured events or books alone. I find that the Internet offers a weekly menu of professional development including the following structures:
- Twitter chats. I try to make Tuesday's #edchat each week, and when I get the chance I also participate in #satchat, #teaching2030, #4thchat and others that fit my schedule. These are quick information exchanges that serve to wake up one's mind and practice with up-to-date links, articles, ideas and questions--a weekly PD burst.
- Online Interviews and Webinars: Steve Hargadon's weekly Future of Education interviews are excellent. I'm really looking forward to this week's interview with John Hattie. Since the world of education thought, theory and practice are Hargadon's focus, he's a terrific interviewer who speaks to wonderful leaders that impact education each week.
- Daily reading of social media such as Twitter, Google+ and blogs as part of my morning coffee routine.
- Books: More books than ever since so many in my PLN are pointing to terrific books and research each day--information that will positively impact craft.
Weekly Communication with the Learning Community (students, family members, colleagues)
- Weekly Newsletter and Home Study List: Each week I send all members of my classroom learning community a newsletter with information about classroom accomplishments, current learning goals and efforts, future efforts and related information notes and links. This information is always available on the class website for ready reference.
- PLC (Professional Learning Community): Our team meets weekly to discuss curriculum focus, practice and prep.
Teaching Routines
- Blended Learning Environment: Throughout the week the classroom and at-home learning activities include a wide blend of platforms including tech, hands-on, collaborative and more as we focus on students' needs, interests and passions.
- Lead with Rationale: Lessons are led with the rationale of why we're focused on that learning task or unit.
- Student Voice: As much as possible student voice is welcomed and integrated into the daily learning efforts.
- Healthful Habits: Our school is a healthy school environment with time for play, social competency efforts and healthy foods.
- Regular Assessment: Tech tools and games make it easier to assess student learning in ongoing, targeted ways. We use this regular assessment to inform instructional work and choice.
The onset of technology has positively impacted learning with the structures above. I look forward to continued transition as we build student-friendly learning communities that promote positive, life-long learning mindsets and habits.
