Group Post 1

DEEP Group - Map of our goals

Come up for a trial to use in term 4 for juniors.

 

What is DEEP?

“Discoveries Enrichment Essentials Passions”

A way to introduce alternative topics in an effort to engage students more:

• Teachers offer topics of interest to them
• Could include curriculum outcomes
  • We could make it compulsory that teachers look for curriculum links in their course
  • This could be facilitated using buddies from different departments
  • Or it could not be a requirement at all
• Four 45min sessions per week, each student does 4 different topics, some are chosen for them (?)
• Each topic goes for the whole term (?)

Somewhere to Look

Getting Started With Your PLG Topic

I'm in the camp that I think that the idea of rich contextual learning and community involvement is good for consolidated and quality learning.  I've had a good look around at some of the research on this material. I think that this is a good place for you as a Learning Group to start.

I'm anticipating that if you've volunteered to do DEEP as your PLG you've probably 'drunk the cool-aid' already.  But if there are some of you who are skeptical that's a good think... we've got to have practicality in the equation too.

Here are two directions where you as a PLG may want to go...

1. Looking up 'elective programmes' (Waihi College even had one in the past).  Part of what we proposed for the DEEP was effectively an elective programme.  [Looking at the allocated time on the timetable].
2. Have a look at this research... it's pretty much sniffing around the same concept of rich learning experiences (click here).
3. You can definitely shape your own PLG's direction (feel free).  

Thanks Justin.

Getting Started - With Your PLG

The DEEP PLG.

Thanks for volunteering for this group.  I'm very happy to have this group up and running at this stage of the year.  Probably this PLG would have been refocussed more to reflect learning around the students - this PLG is more about the planning for term four (this will be a trial term for DEEP).

Please have a look through this staff blog to find previous entries about the proposed DEEP from 2014.  Here are some links...

This is the first presentation I did last year.  (click here)  It was about the initial idea that we saw working well at Mission Heights High School (Jacqui is from there).

This is the second presentation (click here).  This was about clarifing some of the details - imagining how it would operate here at Waihi College.

This is the final presentation I did from last year (click here).  I had surveyed staff and this was the feedback from the staff.  It clearly indicated that staff wanted the programme to work if we roll it out.  Hence the idea of having a group of staff (you guys) working on it this year.

Thanks Justin.

PLG Member Expectations.

What Will Do You In This PLG?

I think that there are dangers in setting out the 'minimum' engagement levels.  Rather to highlight the possibilities.  There is a good read on PLG's on the Edutopia website here.  Basically the point is to keep the focus of the group on learning (the L in PLG).  To anticipate that all of the teachers will use their professionalism to add to the community.


The primary actions you will be expected to do include...

1. Being open minded - you're aiming to expand your practice.  Move from the theory (where you'll be most comfortable) into the classroom (where you'll learn the most).  
2. Putting yourself out there - giving the project/actions are genuine series of efforts.  Being an a tangible PLG (like DEEP) gives you ample opportunity.  
3. Share your experiences -  +  Invite others into your room with goal of seeing your implementations.  Not necessarily whole lessons just in five mins should be good.  +  Go and see other members of your group - JHA will be able to release you as needed. +  Post your successes/thoughts/ideas/failures onto the blog (share with your group).  
4. Take time.  There will be four allocated staff meeting times over the next 16 weeks.  But do seek more of your own time.  
5. Have fun.  

Welcome to 2015's First PLG

Overview Professional Learning Group

The intent of all of our PLGs is about collaboration and professional development.  It is also an opportunity for you as a professional operate with a degree of autonomy in your learning.

Collaborative - The idea is that you take people with you in your learning (sometimes you will lead other times  you will shown).  It is about recognising that those in this learning group share an interest in developing their practice around the same topic.

Development - The time you spend together working on your topic should ultimately add to the quality of your classroom relations and practices.  You will be expected to journey through with others (some will be at different stages of development)... but ultimately you'll want to get some tangible benefits from joining this group.


Rules of Belonging to this PLG

1. Get Involved.  Teachers often feel that professional development is something that is done to them.  The freedom of belonging to a PLG is to have a degree of autonomy.  You can take your learning where you want (especially where you feel you have the greatest benefit).  
2. Respect Others.  This should be a given but worth remembering.  Traditionally teaching is an isolated profession and some staff may feel reluctant to share.  Having a group with a high degree of respect is vital.  
3. Start ASAP - Please break the ice with your fellow teachers in your group.  Holding off will make it harder to get involved.  Set a good bench mark for the group.  
4. Engage With RTC's.  The next five months will provide you with plenty of opportunity to reflect upon the 12 registered teacher criteria.  Take some time to engaged for 10 mins a fortnight with these.  
5. Implement.  Lots of the topics of the PLGs this cycle are ideas.  There will be plenty of time to talk, debate and theorise about the topic.  But nothing beats trying things out.  Waihi College is a school of innovation, we genuinely encourage  you to try new things (mistakes are welcome). 
6. Feedback with Others.  This is a collective learning experience.  Let your group members know what it is your trying.  Let them know how things are going.