There's something really cool (and kind of magical) about putting your ideas out into the world and realizing you're not alone. Blogging, sharing lesson ideas, reading my peers' posts- it turns out that this whole "open learning" thing is like joining a virtual teacher's lounge where people actually share resources instead of just baked goods. 🤣
What started off as something that I had to do quickly became something that I looked forward to. Reflecting through blog posts made me stop and really think about what I value as a future educator. Posting my ideas- no matter how small- felt like planting little seeds of inspiration. And getting responses from classmates or seeing someone say, "Hey, I loved your idea!" made me realize how powerful a connection can be in this profession.
While building my own PLN (Professional Learning Network), I have to say: it's like a backstage pass to amazing ideas, perspectives, and support. Whether it's through a blog comment, a shared resource, or just reading someone else's reflection that makes me say, "Yes! Me too!!", it all has helped me grow.
One of my biggest takeaways from this whole "learning in the open" experience is just how powerful it is to share what I'm learning. Reflection becomes so much more when it's not just stored in my head. Writing things out has helped me to process what's clicking, what's still messy, and where I'm growing. But the real magic happened when people would chime in and share their perspectives. It was like, POOF!, it is no longer just me- it's now a conversation!
The vulnerability aspect of this was the hardest part; it's not always easy for me to put my thoughts out there, especially when I'm still figuring things out. But when I am open and honest, I can create space for real connections. I need to remember that my voice matters, even when I'm scared.
So yes, learning in the open can be very scary at first. But now? I cannot imagine learning any other way.
Here's to more blog posts, shared ideas, and growing together- messy reflections and all!! ❤
Hi Sam!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE your post! Ditto to every single thing you said, you nailed it!
"Learning in the open" made me feel panicky too. It required me to be vulnerable in a way I'd never been before. I was afraid of sounding stupid, being incorrect, offending someone, etc., etc., etc. But, like you, I ended up looking forward to blogging every week. I WANTED to communicate with this small group. I quickly learned that we were all in the same boat, and no one was being judgmental. And that made me feel safe to just BE REAL. It's been a great feeling!
I agree that open learning has been "kind of magical," as you put it. It makes me feel inspired to, among other things, try it out in my own classroom. I wonder if it would work for my students' age group. Could they handle it? Maybe we could sort of work up to it? Hmm...we'll see.
Thank you very much for everything you've brought to this virtual classroom! Best of luck in your future endeavors, take care :)
Hi Sam,
ReplyDeleteLove your comparison to a backstage pass! I wonder why in previous classes we did not have a shared folder with everyone's lesson plans in them. I LOVED reading other lessons and seeing approaches, tricks, and methods that I had not considered. It makes me wonder why teachers tend to "guard" their curriculum since it is so valuable to share! Perhaps, like many, they fear constructive feedback, but honestly, if I have the chance to either improve or make something easier...sign me up!
This class' ability to engage in conversation with meaningful replies has also been unique. Other classes have provided well written responses, but never have they been as impactful as they have here. This is my first clinical for the Elementary Education certification, so maybe that is why? Whatever the cause, I am grateful that so much practical experience has come to the forefront and everyone's willingness to participate with gusto!
Warmest,
Erin
Hi Sam-- My first thought: same. The initial panic was definitely there! I think you nailed it though, and there's something unexpectedly awesome about realizing that you're not alone in those messy thoughts and figuring it out moments. I especially like your “virtual teacher’s lounge” lines. Instead of just bonding over coffee and baked goods, we’re swapping lesson plans, ideas, and real talk about teaching. It’s been such a refreshing space to grow, and like you said, those little “Hey, I loved your idea!” moments hit way harder than you’d think. Here’s to the chaos, the clarity, and the community. Keep planting those little inspiration seeds!
ReplyDelete-Mason