Hello from Regan. I will try to make a small video from my smart phone and attach it on youtube...wish me luck....

Hello from Leon

Getting Started With Your PLG

Hi Leon and Regan,

You guys are pretty lonely in your 'flipped' PLG.  But I think that you've actually chosen one of the best professional learning that you can do.  I'm a big fan of the concept of flipping the classroom and joined a PLG at my previous school on this topic.

The learning that you will be doing will be primarily on technology (actually getting learning online).  But I think that there are much much larger implications on your learning.  Actually I think that you're both very suited to this PLG as you now have both post graduate qualifications (Leon - Regan has just finished off a MEd).   So I think that you'll appreciate that flipping classrooms is really about deeply understanding the way students learn in a classroom (and how our traditional chalk and talk can be improved upon).

I think that the first things for you guys to do are...

1. Have a look online for flipped classroom experiences.  I recall some online qualifications that you can get for free from US university (it is the university that that Maths teacher was associated with - the link was on the original kamar).  
2. Create a youtube account - I've done these before pretty easy.  Best if  you have a smart phone as then  you can directly save your video straight to youtube ready for your students.  

The best advice that I can give you is to jump into flipping.  Probably you'll spend a week or two looking at what it's about but unless you actually put yourself out there.   I surveyed my classes and found one that was keen.  I remember them saying "ha ha you'll go viral" - never happened - but the quality of the conversations/learning/communication in my classroom greatly improved.

Cheers J

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 Flipped Classrooms) 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.