“The most important thing I learned [from my PLN] is that there is a community of enthusiastic amazing educators that are lifelong learners, always evolving their practice and learning from each other and from me. That was the kind of teacher I wanted to be but I didn’t have the best role models of this around me. Once I found these communities online, especially on Twitter, I started being that force in person as well. I encourage my colleagues to share with me and I share with them. Together we are better.” ~Female teacher from Canada in her 6th year (Trust, Krutka & Carpenter, 2016, p. 15).
Professional Learning Networks can support educators in growing their practice in a number of ways. Drs. Torrey Trust, Daniel Krutka and Jeffrey Carpenter conducted the first large-scale study of educators’ PLNs. Upon examining survey responses from 732 PreK-12 teachers, they found that PLNs can support affective, social, cognitive, and identity growth (Trust, Krutka & Carpenter, 2016). They contend that PLNs complement and expand traditional professional development.
Watch the videos that are embedded on the Thinglink image below, in which Dr. Trust talks about how PLNs support the professional growth of educators. Click on each of the icons in this image to find the videos (or watch the videos here: Social Growth, Affective Growth, Cognitive Growth, Identity Growth):
https://www.thinglink.com/scene/906278740244299778
What are the benefits of a PLN for Students?
As educators, we seek to transform our practice in order to improve student learning. So, how do PLNs shape student learning? Let’s hear from Dr. Trust!
