Before You Enter...

This is a personal blog and any statements found here; whether educational, political, controversial, or otherwise stated, should not be taken as officially representing my employer, members of my family, or my friends. These are only the thoughts and opinions of Patrick Johner.



Saturday, January 5, 2013

JIGSAW OF THOUGHTS

Well it has been almost three years since I have begun my blog. I openly admit that I have struggled with a purpose to write a regular blog. Let me be clear, I have opinion, thoughts and experiences to share; but, I have struggled with the idea of WHY I should write a blog.

Clearly there are many people out on the internet who are blogging, and another one is not needed! It was over a holiday break that I realized that this is more about me, and less about the blogging universe.

 Over the Christmas Break, away from teaching, I began to reflect upon how I as a professional could improve upon my practice. I have been very fortunate to work with a great number of people over the past 20 years in the education field that have been truly dedicated, passionate, and resourceful in their own craft and science of teaching. Yet this collaboration has been limited in scope by the reality of everyday life demands.

 As part of my own Professional Growth, I have committed this year (think of it as a New Year’s Resolution!) to blogging. Let me be clear, this will be an effort, as I make time to reflect on various topics of personal or professional interest. I am looking at this as my personal/professional journal. Only difference is that it is public, and others may comment and hopefully challenge and help me in my learning and thinking. I will actively reflecting on my instruction, challenge assumptions, question practice, offer advice, provide solutions, and learn collaboratively together with those who comment.

 Professional learning is often pushed aside in schools as educators work through the day, consumed with teaching our students and meeting the curriculum expectations of the education department or other ministries. The few moments that we can steal for professional development are usually spent in sessions with experts pitching their wares.

Teachers rarely get to self-select learning opportunities, pursue professional passions, or engage in meaningful and ongoing conversations about our profession. I am no different in this regard. I struggle with balancing life to meet my family expectations, professional responsibilities, and personal passions.

Today I believe technology has made it easier for educators to embrace continual professional development that honours self-selected learning, professional passions, and meaningful ongoing conversations about practice, students, thinking, research, etc.

Digital tools such Twitter and blogging provide gateways where new knowledge about teaching and learning can be accessed as never before. At the same time pushing ones thinking—and having it pushed by others - refining and revising one’s own thinking about teaching and learning.

Writing a journal for a public viewing is a risk of sorts. Yet with the risk, I anticipate there will be tremendous rewards of personal and professional growth. By no means am I an experienced blogger or writer. I am simply on a journey of learning and sharing
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 I hope to have some fun along the journey as well!

 "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller