PLC facilitate spontaneous learning
Rationale for the activity
Teaching is sometimes seen as a 'lonely' profession, as each teacher spends most of her time in the classroom with children. Interacting with other adults is essential for learning, specially those working in similar areas. So teachers who teach the same subject and grades can have lot of learning and sharing with one another.
While most teachers are members of many WhatsApp/ Telegram and other kinds of groups, using such forums for consciously supporting learning does not always happen.
The DRT must encourage spontaneous learning through
- sharing ideas
- sharing resources - content
- sharing experiences - pedagogical experiences
- sharing insights (reflections) from experiences
- seeking feedback on above
- seeking help/resources from colleagues for issues/challenges faced
- discussing issues of common (academic) concern
- teachers must also freely (and sensitively) give feedback to one another
2 Outcomes of the activity
The learning community is enriched by the spontaneous sharing by teachers in the forums.
3 Keywords/vocabulary
sharing, peer learning, peer support
4 Content (language resource material)
Creating resources and sharing in groups is a common activity. Every teacher should be encouraged to do this.
5 Mandatory reading material and desirable which can be also self-study material)
6 Transaction of the Activity(training design)/Methodology for carrying out the activity
See section 1 for activities to be encouraged by the DRT and practiced by all participants in the PLC
7 Reflection about the activity (how, why, what it helps the learner/trainee)
Discussing, deliberating on the exchange of ideas/resources/experiences in the group and sharing in the group itself can support learning through reflection
8 Assessment (two levels: self-assessment by trainee and Assessment by Trainer)
A periodic reflection on the activities in the PLC / virtual forum can be done by the members and the DRT members
9 Resources relating to activity (used in the module and also additional)
Actual examples of resources/experiences shared in groups can be used here