Reflection and Evidence for PTC7

Developing and building an inclusive, supportive learning environment is vital in any classroom,whether it is  a brand new Yr9 English class, an Enable course with a group of teachers from a a variety of schools or a group of e-Leaders from the same school. The most important aspect is to build relationships and make connections. It is vital to create a feeling of whanaungatanga . I have found using technology can help with that, but taking the time to build relationships on a personal level is the most powerful.

Using pre-workshop or pre-visit survey is a successful way to make initial contact with teachers to find out

something about them - their needs/expectations/skills/teaching/interests. Using a Google Form is a very easy way and a great tool teachers can use with their own classes. These have helped me in my planning to ensure that my learners' needs/expectations are being met.
From my work last year in clusters I learnt that knowing the learner was just as important with teachers as with students. Following UDL principles, this has led me to change my practice.  This allows me to find out about my akonga before I meet them. I always start my first meeting sharing information about myself and my family to start making connections with the teachers. I also communicate via email (see below) to keep those connections building. A good example is the relationship  I have built with a teacher in Southland this year. On my most recent visit to her class we spent time working on her class blog and problem- solving to make sure her learners could use the technology to record their learning.

Using UDL principles also helps me plan my workshops so that learners differing needs are met. Sending out an outline of the workshop, any pre-reading, any videos that may be useful to watch before  the  workshop, having printed copies of important notes, sharing the presentation and resources for "re-windable" learning.
I use Twitter and my Professional Learning Blog to support and build my professional competence and also build relationships. I have been to schools where teachers have said "I follow you on Twitter" or met teachers F2F who I have communicated with via Twitter. Creating a group/school hashtag and sharing ideas/practice can also build/strengthen connections.
One way I have changed my practice is using the pre-workshop/visit survey data and the workshop evaluation data to tailor the next workshop/visit to the needs of my learners.
And a kaputī and kai are also important  ingredients for creating whanaungatanga.

Link to Tātaiako: Manaakitanga