Personal Learning Network

 Part 1: Initial Reflections

The world English Language Education is constantly changing and developing. Technological developments, AI and movement of people create new challenges and opportunities that change the way we teach ESL and EFL. I usually learn about new developments and ideas by reading journals and posts by some of the top TESOL accrediting bodies, such as The TEFL Organization, the British Council or Cambridge University. These often provide more theoretical and research-based information that is important in understanding how second or first-language learners develop their language skills and what techniques are most effective. These organization also announce and reflect on current trends in the ESL/EFL industry, as well as job opportunities and professional development webinars, conferences and/or workshops. Having a professional accreditation or membership with an organization (I am a member of the Japanese Association for Language Teaching) has a lot of benefits as well, as you have access to official publications and new developments.

Language education is a highly student-centred endevour and learning about what works and doesn’t work relies heavily on teacher experiences. New discoveries, lesson plans, activities and games are often shared from teacher-to-teacher through professional development events that are usually hosted by the school or organization in which the teachers are currently employed by. However, as ESL/EFL is a global phenomenon, I often look to the internet to share and learn about new developments and teaching strategies. Recently, Reddit has been a very active, informative and collaborative space for teachers to share, ask questions and learn from each other. Blogs are also a useful vehicle for learning and sharing new experiences and ideas. While I don’t personally have my own blog (outside of my PME811 blog), I often read and join in the comments and discussions of some well-known EFL blogs.

Part 2: Connection Documentation

The 10 resources/connections I have chosen are:

JALT

The TEFL org

My TESOL

Teaching English with Cambridge (X)

r/teachinginjapan (Reddit)

British Council - Teaching English

r/TEFL (Reddit)

Worldtesolacademy

TESL Ontario Blog

EAP Essentials

These are the 5 that most excite me:

Japanese Association of Language Teaching

The Japanese Association for Language Teaching (JALT) is a professional organization dedicated to the improvement of language education in Japan. It offers a wide range of resources, including conferences, publications, and workshops that focus on the latest research, methodologies, and technologies in language teaching. JALT also provides a platform for networking and collaboration among language educators, fostering a community of practice where teachers can share insights and best practices. For an EFL teacher in Japan, adding JALT to my Professional Learning Network (PLN) is essential as it connects me with a vibrant community of educators who are committed to professional development, staying updated with cutting-edge teaching strategies, and enhancing the overall quality of language education in Japan.

British Council

The British Council is a globally recognized organization that promotes cultural relations and educational opportunities. It offers extensive resources for English language teaching, including professional development courses, teaching materials, and assessment tools. The British Council is also known for its research initiatives and publications that provide valuable insights into language teaching methodologies and learner needs. I incorporate the British Council into my PLN because it grants access to a wealth of high-quality resources and expert guidance, helping me stay current with global teaching standards and methodologies, and enhancing my ability to meet diverse learner needs in the classroom.

r/teachinginjapan

r/teachinginjapan is a Reddit community where educators who teach in Japan can share experiences, advice, and resources related to teaching English as a foreign language. The subreddit covers a wide range of topics, from classroom management strategies and lesson planning tips to navigating the cultural nuances of teaching in Japan. It serves as a platform for real-time peer support, allowing teachers to ask questions, share challenges, and gain insights from others who have faced similar situations. I added r/teachinginjapan to my PLN because it provides direct access to a community of educators who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching in Japan, offering practical, on-the-ground advice and fostering a sense of connection and support among teachers in Japan. It is especially useful as the language barrier in Japan can inhibit this type of collaboration.

TESL Ontario Blog

The TESL Ontario Blog is an informative platform created by TESL Ontario, an organization dedicated to supporting English language educators. The blog features articles written by experienced teachers and professionals in the field, covering a wide range of topics such as teaching strategies, classroom resources, professional development, and insights into the latest trends in ESL/EFL education. The blog also fosters a sense of community by encouraging discussions and sharing experiences among educators. I added this to my PLN because I have professional and academic connections to TESL Ontario (I hold a diploma from TESL Ontario and was previously accredited by the organization). While I no longer teach in Ontario, the blog still provides access to practical advice, innovative teaching ideas, and professional insights that can enhance my teaching practice, keeping me informed and inspired in my ongoing professional development.

My TESOL

My TESOL is an online community and networking platform offered by TESOL International Association, designed to connect English language educators from around the world. It serves as a hub for discussion forums, resource sharing, and collaboration, allowing members to engage in professional conversations, share best practices, and access valuable teaching materials. My TESOL also offers professional development opportunities, including webinars, special interest groups, and updates on industry trends. I added My TESOL to my PLN because it provides a global network of peers and experts, fostering continuous learning, professional growth, and access to diverse perspectives and innovative teaching methods that can enhance effectiveness in the classroom. It is also a platform in which I am frequently active in.

Part 3: Map and Reflection

This PLN offers a comprehensive range of resources tailored to the needs of an EFL teacher in Japan, blending global expertise with localized insights. JALT, The TEFL Org, The British Council and World TESOL Academy are foundational pillars, offering robust professional networks that facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional development. These organizations provide access to the latest research, methodologies, and opportunities to connect with fellow educators, fostering a strong sense of community and shared learning.

My TESOL and Teaching English with Cambridge are exceptional for their extensive repositories of high-quality teaching materials, lesson plans, and the latest methodologies, all of which contribute to enhancing classroom effectiveness and student outcomes. They allow for discussions, comments, feedback and extensive cooperation from teachers around the world.

The inclusion of r/teachinginjapan and r/TEFL (Reddit communities) adds a practical, real-time dimension to the PLN. These platforms are invaluable for accessing peer-to-peer advice, sharing experiences, and obtaining immediate solutions to the day-to-day challenges of teaching in Japan. While these forums offer practical insights, they may lack the depth and academic rigor provided by more formal resources.

TESL Ontario Blog and EAP Essentials add specialized knowledge, particularly for those focused on academic English and advanced language skills. These resources offer nuanced perspectives and targeted strategies that are essential for addressing specific learner needs, particularly in academic contexts.

However, the PLN could benefit from more diverse resources that challenge me as an educator and go beyond my niche as an EFL teacher. As stated by Bozarth (2011)

This stretches you and helps you avoid the insularity that can come from too much time spent in your own box with only those who share your own particular interests.

While these platforms provide valuable insights relevant to language teaching, additional resources focused more generally on education would further enhance the PLN’s relevance and effectiveness. Additionally, balancing the practical advice from Reddit communities with more scholarly, research-based content could also strengthen the overall depth and rigor of the PLN, ensuring it meets both day-to-day and long-term professional development needs.

References:

Bozarth, Jane. “Nuts and Bolts: Building a Personal Learning Network  (PLN) : Learning Solutions | the Learning Guild.” Learningguild.com, 5 Apr. 2011, www.learningguild.com/articles/659/nuts-and-bolts-building-a-personal-learning-network--pln/?rd=1. Accessed 16 Aug. 2024.

Part 4: End of assignment reflection. 

‌Creating this Personal Learning Network has been an enlightening experience, highlighting the immense value that a well-curated collection of resources and connections can bring to an EFL teacher's professional growth. The process of identifying and integrating various platforms—ranging from established organizations like JALT and the British Council to more informal communities like r/teachinginjapan—has shown me of the importance of creating a diverse network. Each component of the PLN serves a unique purpose, whether it’s offering professional development, providing practical classroom strategies, or fostering a sense of community among educators.

The experience of building this PLN has also reinforced the notion that teaching is not a solitary endeavor. By connecting with other educators, sharing experiences, and accessing a wide range of resources, I’ve gained new insights into my teaching practice and discovered innovative ways to engage my students. The ability to draw from both global perspectives and localized advice has been particularly beneficial, allowing me to adapt best practices to the specific context of teaching in Japan.

In general, PLNs are invaluable tools for educators. They provide a continuous stream of learning opportunities, keeping teachers updated with the latest trends, methodologies, and research in the field as well as other blogs, books and resources that can expand one’s professional knowledge. PLNs also offer support systems where educators can seek advice, share challenges, and celebrate successes, fostering a collaborative environment that enriches the teaching experience. Moreover, the flexibility of a PLN allows for personalized learning, enabling teachers to focus on areas most relevant to their professional needs and interests while also allowing educators to expand their knowledge into new areas.

Overall, the process of creating this PLN has been a reminder of the dynamic nature of education and the importance of staying connected with a broader community of educators. It has emphasized that ongoing learning and collaboration are key to not only improving teaching practices but also to personal and professional fulfillment as an educator.