What is a Professional Learning Network?
A professional community of learners is an inclusive group of people, motivated by a shared learning vision, who support and work with each other, finding ways inside and outside their immediate community to inquire on their practice and together learn new and better approaches that will enhance all pupils’ learning. (Stoll, Bolam. et al., 2006)
You need to start developing you professional learning network now....As a pre-service teacher you will be required, as your participate in the various units in the Bachelor of Education course, to collaborate with other students, your tutors and education professionals. Consider this to be the start of your Professional Learning Network.
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What does this mean for me as a pre-service teacher?
Standard 6 from the National Professional Standards for Teachers is about engaging in professional learning:
The networks do not have to be formal; a Google+ Circle developed as part of one of your units can be just as powerful and beneficial to you as an international network with 1000s of members. Whatever you create or join, however, should be meaningful and practical.
The resources listed below will help springboard your exploration of this important and potentially invaluable dimension of your professional growth….and don’t forget to include any of these activites in your professional portfolio.
- Standard 6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs
- Standard 6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice
- Standard 6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice
- Standard 6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning
The networks do not have to be formal; a Google+ Circle developed as part of one of your units can be just as powerful and beneficial to you as an international network with 1000s of members. Whatever you create or join, however, should be meaningful and practical.
The resources listed below will help springboard your exploration of this important and potentially invaluable dimension of your professional growth….and don’t forget to include any of these activites in your professional portfolio.
Professional Learning Communities
This is a feature article form the Australian Literacy Educator’s Association about the value and important of professional learning Communities. It provides a local context. Personal Learning Networks for Educators: 10 Tips This blog provides some useful tips on how to become involved in and use your professional learning networks for your professional growth. The Educator’s PLN This Ning site is dedicated to the support of a personal Learning network for Educators. Learning to Network and Networking to Learn This is a great blog about the value of developing a PLN. PLN: Your Personal Learning Network made easy This is a simple but easy-to-follow guide on how to start a PLN. Curtin Education Students Google + Community A Professional Learning Network has been established for Curtin students. The Curtin Education G+ Community is the ideal platform for student-teachers to create, explore and share education resources and engage with like-minded individuals. To join this community you will need to have a Google+ Account. Scroll to the Communities Tab (left hand-side of screen) and search in Discover Community for 'Curtin Education Students'. You must then apply to join as it is a Private Community. A confirmation email link will be sent. |