Module+2

== >EduQuiki Connection =Module 2: Setting Goals=

Getting started

 * If you have a Google email and enjoy Hangin' out, add yourself to the EduQuiki page.
 * Create an account with WizIQ and mark //@Teacher Talk Time// on your calendar so that you can participate in the live sessions!

Brainstorming
Reflecting on prior experiences as a teacher, in what ways can you change your teaching practice for the better? One way of thinking about becoming a more effective, efficient, and engaging teacher is to embrace three learning domains: (a) //How might I become a better communicator?//, (b) //How can I increase my pedagogical skills//, and (c) //how can I increase my content knowledge and knowledge about how languages are learned related to the classes that I give?// Make sure goals are neither too easy or too hard (e.g., //To implement all Web 2.0 tools in my classroom this semester; To use PowerPoint as a teaching and learning tool//, etc.), nor too vague (e.g., To use technology in my classroom). An example might be (a) //To speak less and engage my learners more//, or (b) //To introduce different material, realia, technologies, etc. in order to create more dynamic assessments and instruction.// Also, when reflecting on personal goals, consider the overall goals of your institution.

Implementing a personal learning network and strategy
Think of your own learning strategy in terms of how you interact with your //peripheral nodes//. A peripheral node is any person, group, institution, or non-human device (i.e., online community, [|Web 2.0/3.0 tool], software application, etc.) that you consider helps you to become a better practitioner. The entire group of peripheral nodes is your personal learning network (PLN). Consider your strengths that will help you achieve your short-term personal goals and the challenges that you face. Consider the following WH questions when considering your strategy:
 * What is my short-term personal goal?
 * Where will I work on my goal?
 * Who will help me reach my goal?
 * Why are these goals important to me?
 * When will I reach my milestones and final goal?
 * How will I check my progress as I progress along the way? (Moss & Brookhart, 2010)

Personal Learning Action Plan (PLAN)
As you reflect on how you might implement your PLAN strategy, do the following:
 * 1) create a list of areas of your teaching which you would like to improve upon. Come up with goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (i.e., [|SMART] Goals).
 * 2) Once you have established your goals, fill out the Personal Learning Action Network (PLAN) sheet.

Monitoring personal goals
Consider how you will monitor and modify your goals as you move through the learning process. A variety of journals may be useful in order to track your progress.

Note to educators interested in TESOL
For those educators who are interested in teaching English to students of other language may also think of the three learning domains mentioned above in terms of the following: (a) //How might I become a better communicator of English// (written and spoken language)//?//, (b) //How can I increase my pedagogical skills//, and (c) //how can I increase my knowledge of applied linguistics?//