Module 4: Professional Learning

Module 4 returned to some big picture ideas, but focused on professional development and learning communities.

Worldview and Shared Values

An important aspect of building an IB-aligned environment is finding shared values, understanding, and worldviews, as well as understanding and respecting the different values and worldviews of others. Arthur Nilsson (2016) and Jerry Nagel (2011) discuss the importance of discovering and exploring your own worldview, and how it can benefit teachers and students in avoiding conflicts based on confirmation bias.

Reflective Practice

Reflecting is a key part of the inquiry cycle, which both teachers and students can and should engage in. But it is also an important part of daily teaching practice, and should become a part of each student’s daily learning. Reflecting — and doing it regularly — can help us adjust and refine our teaching practices, can help us identify weak points professionally and personally, and can guide us towards positive development and deeper understanding of ourselves and other people.

Relational Trust and Collaboration

This site is the first step in building relational trust with parents, guardians, colleagues, and students. Relational trust is required to create positive, productive relationships and to collaborate in an effective learning community. By sharing my worldview, understanding, competence (I hope!), and being my authentic self, we can start to create a relationship to support student learning and the professional development at our school. I will continue to build trust through my daily interactions with students, colleagues, and parents/guardians (Cranston, 2011).

References

Cranston, J. (2011). Relational Trust: The Glue that Binds a Professional Learning Community. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 57, No. 1, Spring 2011, 59-72

TedX Talks. (January 6, 2016). The Psychology of Worldviews | Artur Nilsson | TEDxLund. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzDygsn0Djs

TedX Talks. (September 23, 2011). TEDx1000Lakes – Jerry Nagel – A Way Forward when Worldviews Collide. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f27Od6lYxzQ