![]() Setting Up a Professional Learning Community for PE I would like to throw out a proposal to any PE teachers wanting to get involved in a professional development opportunity. This is only an idea at this point, so I would like input and feedback from anyone willing to contribute their thoughts. As I reflect on authentic and genuine opportunities for professional development in physical education, it becomes clear to me that opportunities are quite limited at times. Sure, we all go on professional development from time to time and this no doubt is very useful for us. However, I still feel that PD is quite limited within our specialist area. Twitter, of course, has changed how we learn and interact with other PE practitioners around the world and for this I am very grateful. The weekly #pechats have been a very informative way to exchange ideas. What I would like to propose is the idea of goal-setting and creating ‘learning groups’ within our PE network. The way I foresee this happening is; those that are interested in being involved, would share their specific ‘learning goals’ via a collaborative Google Doc. Once we identify themes in the ‘learning goals’ teachers have, we can then form ‘like’ groups in to ‘Learning Teams’. Some general themes which may serve as a great starting point could be leadership, innovation, community, curriculum etc. Establishing themes would be an important part of the process. The learning teams might look something like this (this is only an example)
Creating Learning Teams
Initial Learning Team Discussion This is the time that the group comes together for the first time on Google Hangout to share their questions, their uncertainties, and what they already know about their selected topic or focus. To ensure that everyone is on the same page, the group identifies exactly what the main goal of their learning discussion group is. Side related goals are of course allowed and encouraged. Perhaps these learning group discussions can be streamed on You Tube for other teachers to be able to watch. I essentially see this as an extended version of #pechat where we can go more in-depth with our learning and discussion. Although very much informal in nature, these discussion groups still need a structure in order the properly thrive. Sharing Research and Information Each time learning team meets on Google Hangout they share their information and research with one another. They share what is working in terms of their learning goal and what isn't. Groups can brainstorm new ideas for its teacher members to implement within their own instructional practice. How Often Would Learning Teams Meet? This would be up to each learning group to decide for themselves. The way I see it is that learning teams would meet on average of once or twice a month. If each group was to have their Google Hangout streamed on You Tube, there would be an amazing wealth of knowledge being exchanged that would benefit each and every one of us involved in this project. Are you interested in being a part of this professional learning community? I sincerely hope that you are! If so, please leave your name in the comment box below or email me at andyvasily@nanjing-school.com. I believe that our PE network will be made stronger by banding together to share our wisdom, knowledge, and learning in a professional learning community approach such as this. What are your thoughts?
83 Comments
Scott Hooper
5/11/2013 06:13:18 pm
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Justin Matieb
5/12/2013 11:24:12 am
I am interested in this PD opportunity. Sounds like a great opportunity.
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Scott Day
5/11/2013 06:16:53 pm
This seems like a wonderful idea.
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5/11/2013 06:20:45 pm
This aligns perfectly with the direction of my research for my PhD into TGfU and Professional Development. I'm so excited to be part of this. We are reconceptualising PD models, hopefully governing bodies and schools will see the value in what we are doing and provide accreditation opportunities for PD of this fashion. I'm hoping that National Governing Bodies will also see that teachers need to take part in professional development opportunities and collaborate with teachers in their field. The emphasis placed on schools being responsible for their own teachers professional development, fails to see the benefit in teachers engaging with those specialists in their field. I'M IN!!!!! Put my name down my friend!
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5/11/2013 06:29:33 pm
I see you as a very valuable part of the process Kelly, so thanks for your willingness to be involved. Spread the word! Thanks
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Tess Barritt
6/13/2014 04:40:45 pm
COUNT ME IN! Have moved into concentrating teaching PYP. The TfGU model is exactly how we teach- love the way the students learn. Would love to collaborate some ideas, successes and learn new approaches!
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Mike McMillen
5/11/2013 06:26:20 pm
Would love to be involved. Great idea, and I'm sure it will grow into something really special for PE teachers!
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5/11/2013 06:30:50 pm
Was great discussing it with you in person last weekend at Japanese all-u-can eat!!! Glad you are in. How was interview?
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5/11/2013 06:30:19 pm
Cool concept, Andy! It's one thing to talk about great ideas, but a much more powerful experience is to put them into action. A really important aspect of Professional Learning that often goes missing is the opportunity to put a plan into action after you've attended a workshop or similar. Usually you head back to school full of enthusiasm, but without the group of people you learned with at the workshop, the wind can come out of your aspirational sails. This way, you've got a support network 24/7. I'm in too - let me know what you need done :-) Jonesy
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5/11/2013 06:31:59 pm
Super Jonesy. Thanks for taking part. I respect your work and your vision. You will be a huge asset in this project.
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Liam
5/11/2013 06:52:20 pm
I'd be interested Andy. I've been investigating inquiry based learning of late and it would be good to bounce ideas off others.
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Steph Goodall
5/11/2013 06:57:26 pm
Sounds great! Not sure I'm as experienced as many of you in this field however I'm very enthusiastic to make a positive change and develop teaching and learning.
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5/11/2013 08:00:57 pm
All members bring added value to this project Steph. I am sure you will contribute in a positive way to the project Thanks for being involved!
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David Sia
5/11/2013 07:15:12 pm
This seems long overdue. Great concept all and looking forward to helping move this process forward
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5/11/2013 07:21:33 pm
Would love to be involved if I could contribute somehow!
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Dean Dudley
5/11/2013 07:48:54 pm
Whilst you will never find a greater advocate of teacher PD, the difficulty with PD outcomes is that they tend to be more about changes in teachers and not on student outcomes. Might I humbly suggest that you add a 'Student effect' aspect to your project.
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5/11/2013 07:59:39 pm
Dean, thanks for your important feedback. You bring up some great points and I wholeheartedly agree that 'student effect' is a huge theme or learning goal to include on the list. All 6 points that you mention are extremely critical in the PD process. Thanks again for the feedback. I hope that you will be involved in this.
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5/11/2013 08:01:32 pm
This sounds a great concept & I'd love to be involved. Let me know if there's anything I can do...
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5/11/2013 08:36:57 pm
Thanks for your involvement Dylan. Looking forward to working with you.
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Ian Poley
5/11/2013 09:20:42 pm
Sounds great. Teaching PE in UK for 11 years. Let me know what u need.
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5/11/2013 09:26:51 pm
Thanks for joining Ian. I will be in touch with every this week.
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Caroline Fishpool
5/11/2013 09:41:07 pm
I'm very keen. Im in administration with a PE background and am lucky enough to be picking up leadership of our PE/ Health areas into my admin role. Im loving being back in an area that I'm passionate about !
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5/11/2013 09:47:29 pm
Caroline, thanks for joining this project. An advantage to have a voice from admin involved in setting up this professional learning community. Thanks!
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5/11/2013 09:58:06 pm
Great idea, especially for those of us in isolated areas!
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5/11/2013 10:01:37 pm
Thanks Liz. Very good indeed for those isolated or working alone in their programs. Glad you are aboard with it!
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Robert West
5/11/2013 09:58:07 pm
This is a great idea, I would love to be involved to develop further and contribute.
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nalda wainwright
5/11/2013 09:58:31 pm
Hi Andy, am programme co-ordinator for MA Physical Education and currently researching impact of new Welsh Curriculum on Physical Literacy. Our BA Physical Education will shortly be coming up for quinquennial review, so would love to be involved if possible to help ensure our programmes are recent and relevant, and think would be very exciting. Nalda
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5/11/2013 10:02:58 pm
Hi Nalda, thanks for signing up. Hopefully we can all benefit professionally from this effort. Talk soon
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Roddy McPherson
5/11/2013 10:06:36 pm
Seems like a great idea, happy to be involved and contribute where everI can.
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5/11/2013 10:28:28 pm
Hey Roddy, thanks for signing up. What school are you at?
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Özlem Alagül
5/11/2013 10:20:38 pm
Hi, I had been working for 8 years, when I started to my Phd. Then I started to work in university as a research assistant in Turkey. Now I am not PE teacher but I am working as a mentor with PE teachers. I also doing my PhD on Tactical Games Model with Korfball... I'm also now in England as a visitor researcher... I want to be happy to join this communities, if you accepted...
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5/11/2013 10:27:44 pm
Great Ozlem. Let other PE teachers that you work with know about it. Thanks for signing up.
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Jeff Giles
5/11/2013 10:38:24 pm
I would welcome the opportunity to be involved in a community looking to advance the outcomes of students participating in health & pe.
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5/11/2013 11:49:59 pm
This looks great. Thanks!
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5/12/2013 04:22:13 pm
Great Joanne. There is another teacher in the network that also teaches future PE teachers who is taking part in this project. Her name is Kelly Ann Parry. You should look her up. Thanks for signing up.
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Naomi Hartl
5/12/2013 12:54:10 am
This is a fantastic idea! I would love to be part of this community!
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5/12/2013 03:44:49 am
Thanks Andy for your leadership I would really like to be part of this!
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Gemma Iannone
5/12/2013 05:53:48 am
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Tyler Marlow
5/12/2013 06:59:57 am
I am in. Thanks for taking the time to build a community for PE teachers.
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5/12/2013 07:19:15 am
Andy,
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Collin Dillon
5/12/2013 07:25:53 am
Let me know. The concept of global communication regarding quality physical education is intriguing and can only provide a positive result for our youth. I'm in!
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5/12/2013 12:18:55 pm
Hi Andy, That is a great idea. I would like to participate in this great initiative.
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David Moore
5/12/2013 01:58:04 pm
Great idea Andy, u like the TGFU, inquiry and app. discussions.
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Andy Brown
5/12/2013 03:56:05 pm
This looks great, be really keen to be a part of it and hopefully contribute.
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Simon Munn
5/12/2013 08:21:14 pm
What a great concept!! I'm in
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5/12/2013 08:37:17 pm
Hey Simon, glad you are in. Will be sending out and posting more info on my blog soon.
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Mark Baxter
5/12/2013 09:03:29 pm
Sign me up! I'm particularly interested in 'Inquiry and Critical Thinking in PE'.
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Simon Radford
5/12/2013 09:41:48 pm
I would like to become part of the community.
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Jorge rodriguez
5/12/2013 10:46:56 pm
Great idea. I would love to be part of it.
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Betty Ann Fish
5/12/2013 10:53:05 pm
I would be interested in joining this project.
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Rebecca Contant
5/13/2013 12:27:19 am
Nicely done Andy - this looks great. Sign me up :)
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wayne quenneville
5/13/2013 03:57:52 am
Count me in bud.
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Ken Smith
5/13/2013 08:36:13 am
I would be interested!
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5/13/2013 08:56:42 am
Count me in! So many groups to choose from... Elementary PE please!
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Julie Lustic
5/13/2013 10:45:27 am
Professional development is not an option for me in my district since I do not teach a core subject. I am very interested in this concept of an on line professional learning community. My school is just embarking on the IB journey and no one here seems to really understand how it works for physical education. They seem to want me to just jump into the classroom teachers planners. I am happy to contribute what I can.
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Teri Galloway
5/13/2013 11:36:19 am
I would be very interested! As a PE lead for our district - I want to examine this a valuable PD for us
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Michelle
5/13/2013 11:38:19 am
Hey Andy - I am a new Physical Education graduate and I would love to be part of this network. Please count me in.
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Peter Gamble
5/13/2013 02:57:52 pm
I am interested Andy. Looking forward to learning.
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Simon Pang
5/13/2013 05:35:57 pm
Sounds great. Would love to be involved
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Tom Phillips
5/13/2013 05:44:09 pm
Sounds brilliant
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Anna
5/13/2013 08:32:52 pm
As a PE teacher just starting out in PYP this sounds like a great opportunity! Count me in!
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Julie Lustic
5/14/2013 12:25:44 pm
Hi Anna,
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@MrFairbairnPE
5/14/2013 07:47:35 am
Would be a great PD opportunity tobe involved in and i can see the benefits as others have already mentioned.
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Jodi Larson
5/14/2013 09:15:06 am
I would love to be a part of this. Let me know if I can do anything to help.
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5/14/2013 03:28:03 pm
Hi Andy, being on the receiving end of some very ineffective PD over the last few years, your idea intrigues me. Sorry for the late reply but I would love to be involved and help in anyway I can.
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5/14/2013 03:52:25 pm
Wrong time to take a twitter sabbatical - would love to engage, learn and discover with others through this.
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5/15/2013 10:09:27 am
I would love to help. I teach daily P.E. at a K-8 school for academically gifted students. Love global collaboration and integration of technology.
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Robin Thordarson
5/16/2013 12:38:52 pm
Great idea, I'm in!
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5/17/2013 03:55:05 am
This sounds very interesting. I teach middle school physical education, and core academics. I believe strongly in collaborative pro-d and would like to see how this progresses.
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5/17/2013 08:29:57 pm
Sounds like a great opportunity to enhance knowledge, support others and develop my professional skills. Would love to be part of it.
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Kim Eagle
5/19/2013 03:20:24 am
I teach in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. I am a bit of a technology newbie. Please sign me up!!
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5/26/2013 09:09:37 pm
Hi Andy, love it. Really keen to get involved.
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Jonathan Mauro
6/12/2013 04:02:25 am
I would like to learn more and possibly be part of an Online PE PLC. Thank you
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8/6/2014 12:33:50 am
I'm always interested in new ideas and PD. I was just given a BodyWorks class. Looking forward to teaching it.
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Aarya
10/14/2014 02:10:03 pm
I would love to join ur group.
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Corina
10/15/2014 01:41:18 am
Great idea! I am very interested.
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Mark Vatsis
10/25/2014 09:33:13 pm
I am very interested in being a member of this PLC.
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Ryan Nicol
10/30/2015 06:57:55 am
Hello,
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Brigid Arsenault
11/13/2015 03:21:06 pm
I'm an Elementary PE teacher in WA state and I'm currently working on my ProTeach (professional teaching certificate). I have been teaching for 8 years and am looking for an online PLC as it can be a challenge to have a school PLC as a specialist. Please let me know if this is still going. I see more of the dates from comments were 2 years ago...
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Tess Barritt
11/13/2015 03:26:45 pm
I unsubscribed by mistake! But i see now this blog has had a few more people interested. Where do you think we go from here. Does anyone know how we can create a ATCIVE community? Seems there are people from around the world... has twitter become the best option you think?
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Erik Nelson
12/16/2017 10:50:47 pm
I am interested in being a part of this learning community. Seems like a great resource for brainstorming and professional development. I am K-5 Pe teacher in California and I am always looking for new ideas. Thanks!
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Laureen Rooze
4/25/2018 02:43:46 pm
I am an Elementary P.E Specialist. I teach 1st- 6th graders. I’m very interested in being part of this.
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AuthorKAUST Faculty, Pedagogical Coach. Presenter & Workshop Leader.IB Educator. #RunYourLife podcast host. Archives
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