This year we will be exploring the idea of personalized learning at our elementary school with an opportunity for teachers to experience it firsthand. I am so excited about this endeavor, mostly because it will be a journey and I believe learning with adults is always a journey. I don't care if we arrive at the destination we had planned...we will arrive at some destination and be better off because of the stops we made along the way joining in conversation, mistakes, retakes, and celebrations. That's what makes it so interesting and fun. Is it clear that I am process-oriented? There is nothing better for me than experiencing something new and reflecting and discussing and refining aspects to try again.
Teachers all have different learning styles and goals -- just like students. I wonder though if sometimes they are so in the business of creating learning experiences for students that they just don't have time to think about, pay attention to, or recognize their own needs for learning. Teachers become so focused on student achievement, they let their own growth needs starve. I believe that giving teachers an opportunity to personalize their own professional development this year will help them take the time to reflect on their learning preferences and needs. Why is this important? My hope is that experiencing this model of self-directed learning will help them understand the importance of personalizing learning for students.
I am imagining teachers to feel a variety of emotions as they create their annual professional development plan-but this year, I hope that there will be a renewed energy for adult learning as they take ownership and try some new tools for connecting with other educators to learn.
I want to leave the options wide open for teachers to select their topics, their mode of learning, and how they will share their experiences because I know they will exceed any expectations that I could dream up. When these people put their heads together, their ideas become phenomenal!
So, the "Side of Rice" this week is that feeling of anticipation for school to start...to join in the journey of personalized learning with my teachers! This is going to be HUGELY important! Can't wait for Aug. 10!
Teachers all have different learning styles and goals -- just like students. I wonder though if sometimes they are so in the business of creating learning experiences for students that they just don't have time to think about, pay attention to, or recognize their own needs for learning. Teachers become so focused on student achievement, they let their own growth needs starve. I believe that giving teachers an opportunity to personalize their own professional development this year will help them take the time to reflect on their learning preferences and needs. Why is this important? My hope is that experiencing this model of self-directed learning will help them understand the importance of personalizing learning for students.
I am imagining teachers to feel a variety of emotions as they create their annual professional development plan-but this year, I hope that there will be a renewed energy for adult learning as they take ownership and try some new tools for connecting with other educators to learn.
I want to leave the options wide open for teachers to select their topics, their mode of learning, and how they will share their experiences because I know they will exceed any expectations that I could dream up. When these people put their heads together, their ideas become phenomenal!
So, the "Side of Rice" this week is that feeling of anticipation for school to start...to join in the journey of personalized learning with my teachers! This is going to be HUGELY important! Can't wait for Aug. 10!