Modern ECE Professional Learning Communities: A Case Study from Mind in The Making

Soon after Ellen’s book Mind in the Making (MITM) was published in 2010, she found that groups were convening around the book in professional learning communities. Webinars and symposiums were being held, book clubs were forming, professional groups were studying the book to apply what they had learned, training was being offered, and Mind in the Making became the focus of conferences, websites, and chat groups. Ellen observed that these Learning Communities have ten characteristics in common. Specifically, Ellen believes these ten common characteristics illustrate the future of Professional Learning Communities. She observes that modern Professional Learning Communities:

1.       Bring new players together.

2.       Seek to reach the most “in need” among us.

3.       Focus on learning from and with each other and share a belief that there is expertise among us all.

4.       Focus on active learning that is experiential  and engages participants in self-reflection and self-discovery.

5.       Use new media to connect in creative ways.

6.       Actively create new curricula based on sound principles of child and adult learning and development.

7.       Focus on assessment, but tie assessment to child development.

8.       Reframe teaching as teaching AND learning together.

9.       Connect policy to practice.

10.   “Play it forward.”

In this session, Ellen will share what she has learned about Professional Learning Communities, and show you how your organization can replicate some of these models to use Mind in the Making in your community or organization. The session will also include live testimonials from early childhood professionals who have lead some of these innovative initiatives.   Ellen has invited many of the participants in the MTM professional learning communities to join the session to share their experiences. All sessions are 1.5 hours long, and include a brief announcement from our sponsor. 2:oo PM – 3:30 PM Eastern Time.

See the schedule of upcoming webinars.

https://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.org/presentations/