Professional Learning Groups

PLG's First Half of Year

All the staff here at the college have now started their Professional Learning Groups for the first half of 2015 (until July).  We have seven groups up and operational.

Here is a list of which teachers are in which groups...

Here are the links to the web addresses of the PLG's blogsites...

1. Google Apps
2. Mimio
3. Te Reo and Tikanga
4. DEEP Planning
5. Friends Project
6. Flipped Classrooms

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 Waihi College 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.  

This post relates to RTC #5. "Show leadership that contributes to effective teaching and learning i. actively contribute to the professional learning community." And RTC #12. "Use critical inquiry and problem-solving effectively in their professional practice."