Chapter 2 reflection

Before reading chapter 2 titled “Creating a Professional Learning Community” I didn’t give much thought to collaboration.  The closer I get to become a teacher the more and more I am thinking about myself and how I will be as a teacher.  What I need to realize is that I am sure plenty of other future teachers have the same thoughts.  So just like Jeff Whipple talked about I could use my fellow classmates just like he used his fellow co workers to work together.  When Whipple was transferred from a school where he was working with other teachers to a school where he was the only teacher in the room made him realize how crucial it is to work and bounce ideas off of other teachers.  I like how Whipple said “If I could do one thing I would try and give teachers more time to work with each other.” (pg 25)  I think that in any line of work you need others to help bounce ideas off of therefore, I couldn’t agree more with his statement. 

            This chapter also talked about change and how sometimes change occurs just because a teacher tried something new.  Our society has evolved so much and continues to do so.  As teachers we need to keep our students up to date.  For example, when I was in grade school we still had the old box computer monitors and today schools have I pads.  I think this type of technology is great, but only to a certain extent.  Students don’t necessarily need to be using technology at all times only when they are learning something relevant (so like not just playing games).  The chapter talks about how as teachers we can work together to use technology with Project Based Learning.  I agree with this completely because students could look up and do the research for the project and then use a computer or other device to put the project together/ present it.  When teachers combine their work on a project it will come out even better than expected because it will involve all parts and not just one person. 

            Lastly, I liked how this chapter gave you ideas on how to start building communities within communities and the benefits of this.  My favorite benefit that was listed was more powerful learning.  I can relate to this personally because I learn so much more when I am working with others.  I really liked “Flat Stanley” website because of the forum it had to exchange project ideas.  I thought that was so cool because it gives you the opportunity to check out what others are doing with their projects.  In conclusion this chapter taught me how important teamwork among several other things.  I look forward to reading the nest chapter.