This article originally appeared within Sharing PYP Practice, a blog designed to illustrate the diverse experiences in implementing the PYP and facilitate connections among PYP teachers.
Jennifer Fenton is currently a Grade 4 teacher and team leader at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong. She is a PYP workshop leader and has previously worked in Kenya and Canada as a teacher, administrator and curriculum coordinator.
Jennifer is passionate about using technology to facilitate teaching and learning, as well as to promote professional development. She is an active participant in the bi-weekly #pypchat and assists in the development of the chat’s wiki. She tweets as @jennysfen and shares her learning through her blog, Reflective Practice.
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” ~Alvin Toffler
Being an educator, I often hear people describe themselves as learners as well as teachers. I have said it myself (usually during one of those workshops where you have to write something that describes who you are or explain what kind of food you would be).
Though, when I sit down and really think about myself as a learner, the picture I have is one of an adult, involved in ‘adult type’ learning activities ~ taking a course, reading professional literature, learning new skills, discussing educational issues with colleagues, or attending workshops and conferences.
While my students are aware of these activities, I don’t know that they would necessarily make the connection that this is their teacher as a learner. How can I really show my students that I value learning?