Learning Networks
The first group I joined in my field focuses on mathematics education, it is called NCTM. NCTM is a great resource for mathematics teachers such as myself as it countless resources and readings that discuss different leaning models, strategies, and tools that can be implemented into the classroom. Additionally, it has a “myNCTM” feature that allows you to connect directly with other teachers around the world teaching the same content matter as you. NCTM also has an active Twitter that provides another way to collaborate with peers.
The second learning network other revolves around implementing technology into the classroom, more specifically using the Microsoft platform as my district does. I found this network on Facebook, which gives it a bit more of an informal format, which I prefer. It is very easy to simply post a question and within minutes there are numerous responses providing ideas and encouragement. I have found that if you “search” a topic on the page, something has typically already asked that question in the past.
The third group I joined to is related to coaching high school baseball, this is based on Twitter. Similarly to the group of Facebook, this group posts frequently and has exposed me to countless ideas, drills, and mindsets that I can absolutely see myself implementing into my coaching. It is very interesting to belong to learning communities of this sort where individuals are communicating with one another from around the world. Each coach/instructor shares with a different lens based on their experiences and allows me to be exposed to resources I never would have access to.
In learning communities of this sort, I try to participate in the conversations that take place that I feel I can provide constructive feedback and valuable experiences to. I certainly get a lot of different ideas out of them, some that work well, some that do not, however, they often plant the seed for activities I implement into my classroom and adapt to my own teaching strategies. As someone who has been exposed to learning communities of this sort quite a bit, I can attest that they are extremely useful/helpful, especially for new teachers. Typically, anything you are looking into has already been asked at some point and the search feature that many of these groups have make it easy to track down the information.
The idea of the growth mindset related to these professional groups work hand-in-hand. As a coach, I am the first to admit that I am not where I want to be, but the groups that I belong to allow me to continue to learn and get better. I try to pick the mind of others who I know have much more experience and knowledge that I do with the hope of bettering myself.
The idea of feedback versus feedforward is relatively new to me and something I found quite interesting right away. While feedback tends to have a bit of a negative connotation, feedforward provides motivation and momentum. When self-reflecting, I was always under the impression that I provided my learners with valuable feedback, but when I think about my responses to students as it relates to the growth mindset (something that is very visible in my learning community) I do think that I focus more on the idea of the future and where we want to be down the road.
NCTM
Microsoft Teams for Education https://www.facebook.com/groups/1510337702394981/
Baseball Coaches Insider https://twitter.com/BAcoachinsider?s=20