More Thoughts on Professional Learning
Getting my Go & Show PL Ducks in a Row...
Welcome to week 3 of EDLD 5388, which is technically week 4. Sounds a little confusing? Yes, it is. Even all the more reason for me to get my ducks in a row as tomorrow begins week 5. This week presented us with the challenge of designing a plan to move our districts away from Sit & Get PL and towards the better alternative of Go & Show PL. The plan consisted of a BHAG, Big Hairy Audacious Goal, and a three column table outlining our plan.
The BHAG is to teach teachers how to create significant learning environments through the proper use of PL. The six little ducklings I had to line up were named: Foundational Knowledge, Application, Integration, Human Dimensions, Caring and Learning How to Learn. Just like any mother with six kids or ducks, you are not supposed to have favorites. So, if you asked me the question, "In planning your three column table, which kind of learning do you like the best?" My mom answer would be the standard, "I love them all the same." However, when you have that rare moment to snuggle up to one of your biological kids or ducks without the other five hanging around, I would whisper in Human Dimension's ear, "Don't tell the flock, but Mommy loves you the best!
I believe that Human Dimension is a truly significant factor in creating any meaningful learning environment. Most of the time, learners get caught up in the details of a producing quality work. Don't get me wrong, quality work is always a desirable outcome, but not when the product becomes more important than the process. When assigning any project, I want my students to learn about themselves almost more than I want them to master the content. A student who embraces the human dimension of their learning has a sense of ownership in their work. This feeling of ownership allows for greater meaning in ALL learning experiences. Just as I want this deeper learning for my students, I want the same for teachers and administrators as they follow my plan for creating significant learning environments through the use of effective PL.
No matter how significant of a leader you are, a few ducks will always fall behind or get out of line, but just as in any family you need the ongoing support of the others to help keep all of your ducks in a row and moving forward.
The BHAG is to teach teachers how to create significant learning environments through the proper use of PL. The six little ducklings I had to line up were named: Foundational Knowledge, Application, Integration, Human Dimensions, Caring and Learning How to Learn. Just like any mother with six kids or ducks, you are not supposed to have favorites. So, if you asked me the question, "In planning your three column table, which kind of learning do you like the best?" My mom answer would be the standard, "I love them all the same." However, when you have that rare moment to snuggle up to one of your biological kids or ducks without the other five hanging around, I would whisper in Human Dimension's ear, "Don't tell the flock, but Mommy loves you the best!
I believe that Human Dimension is a truly significant factor in creating any meaningful learning environment. Most of the time, learners get caught up in the details of a producing quality work. Don't get me wrong, quality work is always a desirable outcome, but not when the product becomes more important than the process. When assigning any project, I want my students to learn about themselves almost more than I want them to master the content. A student who embraces the human dimension of their learning has a sense of ownership in their work. This feeling of ownership allows for greater meaning in ALL learning experiences. Just as I want this deeper learning for my students, I want the same for teachers and administrators as they follow my plan for creating significant learning environments through the use of effective PL.
No matter how significant of a leader you are, a few ducks will always fall behind or get out of line, but just as in any family you need the ongoing support of the others to help keep all of your ducks in a row and moving forward.