Comments on: Two Different “Schools” of Thought

By: Lewis

Lewis — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:21:45 +0000

We are starting PLC’s in our district and I have to say that this is what was needed in education. We are and should not be alone. I recently became an administrator and was amazed to see the various ways to teach lessons that I have taught for years. I am happy to start PLC’s in my building because I can see the benefit first hand. We do not always have the “right way” but together we can figure out the best way to deliver the content standards. The PLC’s help the staff move because they question the way things have always been done. PLC’s are great!

By: ilyespedilla

ilyespedilla — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:20:30 +0000

Hi,
I am currently studying about professional learning community and I was able to read this blog (”Two Different Schools of Thought”). I also would like to share my comments about the topic since it is interesting to me. As a teacher we really need collaboration. It’s one way where we can improve ourselves. I do agree that schools are more effective in helping more students learn at high levels when teachers work collaboratively rather than isolation. One teacher might know some strategies and techniques that others do not know(it is always possible). This would be a great help in addressing different challenges encountered in teaching. If one doesn’t agree about an idea it can be discussed and come up with a common idea. That’s why communication and common goals are important. I have expercienced teaching in isolation. I was nearly giving up. I didn’t know what to do. I felt I needed someone that time to help me feel the gap. I didn’t mean I just have to be a reciever or a follower. With collaboration,I’ll be able to learn new ideas, compare, share, and choose what’s best for my student’s learning. It is our greatest responsibilty as a teacher to ensure our students achieve their highest potential and we need others to achieve this goal. We can’t do it alone.

By: April

April — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:51:48 +0000

Different perspectives are everywhere in education. I am at a school that doesn’t have a formal curriculum for Math or Language Arts and an off-balanced PLC. Oh and we are have been in a restructuring status for about 6 years. This is my second year at my current school and when anyone asks about textbooks it is like they have said a naughty word. It seems to me that we all need to realize that it isn’t one thing in isolation that makes a difference, as we are very interdependent. For instance, I was speaking with a colleague today about parents that are allowed to request teachers. I really had to respond to this blog because it is very unfortunate that we do not have a formal curriculum and in turn classrooms are drastically inconsistent in teaching practices and strategies so I am on the fence as a parent. Fortunately, I am a highly-requested teacher according to office staff but my issue is why can’t all children at our school have the same access to the essential knowledge and skills; without both the PLC, the content, students, and teachers it appears that most schools, specifically ours, is in for harsh times. The question is will we will make it without the collaboration? Can’t we all be a little more open minded? Thanks for the blog I enjoyed reading it.