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Challenge for Lead Learners: Share what and how you're learning and why it matters. From Leading Prof. Learning (19) |
In creating a new vision for professional learning, there were two key points that stood out: 1) the need for lead learners who will model the practices necessary for a systemic change, and 2) the use of personalized learning plans. The ultimate challenge is to "establish a self-directed, collaborative, and dynamic culture of learning and to build the capability of staff to engage in such a culture of learning" (10). If the goal is to have "empowered professionals driving their own continuous learning, holding themselves accountable, and focusing on outcomes" (14), how can we make that happen?
For me, it means modeling more (starting with this post) and being willing to share my learning with a broader audience than my colleagues in the curriculum department. My personalized learning plan (PLP) will include a more consistent time for keeping up with my professional reading and a commitment to ongoing, collaborative discussions about what's having the greatest impact on professional growth. That practice is comfortable because it's the kind of learning that I've always done. However, the ideas in Leading Professional Learning are not about remaining in a comfort zone -- they challenge me to think more deeply, to re-evaluate how I'm investing my time, and to do the hard work that can inspire change. It is no longer enough for me to simply read. My reflective practice must include more risk-taking and more action like posting on a blog and completing the Leading the Digital Learning Transition MOOC with other team members. Creating a new vision will require asking tough questions, learning from failures, and doing my part to ensure that there's a "dynamic culture of learning" for myself and for my colleagues. At the heart of all of this is the fact that we want these same things for our students --ownership of learning, a focus on growth, and empowerment. For that, I'm willing to risk and commit.