*Are you finding the information or resources you need?
As I stated in my last post, the resources that I need to accomplish part of my goals is interaction with and observation of colleagues. Due to the fact that we are on summer break, this is not possible at the current time. However, I did speak with a colleague who I respect and believe would be a good model of creative thinking for me. I asked her if she would be willing to let me come in her class at the beginning of the year and she agreed. So, at the outset of the school year, I will be working with her to help initiate good modeling of creative thinking in my classroom.
I have not looked for information or resources for my other goal, which is to be involved in learning communities. I do believe, however, that with the start of work on my first goal, I have effectively work towards my second goal as well. Although my work with the aforementioned teacher will not be a structured learning community, it is a start.
*Do you need to modify your action plan?
At this time I see no need to modify my action plan. I believe that I have two solid goals and an effective approach to meet these goals. The only thing hindering me right now is that I cannot effectively begin to implement my plan until the school year begins.
*What have you learned so far?
Becuase my plan is still in the infant stages, I cannot say that I have learned much specifically relating to my goals. I have, however, learned some important lessons about setting goals. This coming year will be my eighth year as an educator, but will be the first time that I enter the year with personal goals in mind. I have never before set forth an action plan to meet goals. In fact, I have never even given much thought to identifying weaknesses and working towards improving them. I can see the importance of having a goal to work towards. The benefits will help me, but will also help to make my students more successful, which is something I am always striving for.
*What new questions have arisen?
At this point in my GAME plan, I do not have any new questions. I am sure as I move into the implementation phase, I will have more questions, but not at the present time.
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your are off to a great start with your action plan. As you mentioned it can be difficult to discuss the plan with colleagues since they are all in “summer mode” at this time. You said, “ I have never before set forth an action plan to meet goals.” I feel the same and have never entered a school year with specific goals, except to meet the needs of each student. I too feel it will be interesting to start the school year with specific personal goals that will in turn benefit the students. Good luck with the rest of your GAME plan!
Lyndsay
Hi Bryan,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your posts because, it seems to me that, we often think along similar lines. I agree that it is challenging to say how well our goals have advanced since school is out and much of the work to be done here involves classroom implementation.
Nonetheless, and as you quite rightly pointed out, it is important to have plans before school starts. We all know that things can get pretty hectic once the students return and have some clear goals, as well as clear pointers on how to achieve them is going to really help.
Like you I also feel that there is a great deal to learn from observing our colleagues and I am still stunned that many schools do not seek to use the talent they have within the school more. We seem to always have outside speakers who know nothing of our students or the day-to-day running of our classes!
Being reflective is so crucial for our development as teachers. I am not really surprised that you and Lyndsay feel that you have never set any goals before. In our first years as teachers we have a lot to learn, balance and get used to. Now with a few more years under you belt you are ready to take on some new challenges.
With regards to learning communities, can I advise you just to surf the net a little and find other teachers websites that are of interest to you. If you add them to your aggregator and check back with them regularly, this will immediately expand your learning community.
I have learned a great deal on this course, but I have also learned a great deal of practical tools and their applications from educators who are blogging their own experiences.
Hope this helps you move along with your second goal.
Susan
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteTo add to Susan's list of possible PLC sources, I might suggest that if you attend any seminars, classes, or conferences that you might get some emails from people there. I just completed the 2nd of 3 summers of a 40 summer hour college math course for a federal math grant I'm in. We found that since we were all at the same summer institute, learning the same content that we have a lot in common. We exchanged contacts so that we can check in on progress and setbacks, share ideas and collaborate on lesson ideas. I find that sources near me that are not in my school can be more comfortable since they are less "judgmental".
I understand that at this time of back-to-school mode we are often planning for our students and we do overlook ourselves. Perhaps baby-steps might be a good approach in setting plans for ourselves. I find that I can appreciate many great ideas, but get so bogged down that none of them happen.
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely. It is summer break and most teacher..., including myself now that summer school is over, are on summer brain. School is on our minds but in the very back. I appreciate that you have sought some help from a colleague and it sounds like you are on a great start. Just to help my curiosity is there any specific type of technology that you think would be really fun to implement into a classroom?
Andrew