How do you keep up with K-12 learning theories?

Accept that you are not the fountain of all knowledge - there is always so much more to learn. Join associations, read current research and don't be afraid to do some peer assessment - be vulnerable, invite others into your 'domain' and be open to construction evaluation. Students change, learning change - have some of the more experience educators also changed?

Before diving into an academic journal, clarify your purpose. Are you seeking information on a specific topic, exploring new teaching strategies, or conducting research? Defining your purpose will help you navigate the vast amount of content more efficiently. Don't limit yourself to articles that align with your existing beliefs or perspectives. Explore a range of viewpoints and research methodologies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. Remember that reading academic journals is a continuous learning process. Make it a habit to regularly explore new research to stay updated on the latest developments and trends in education and psychology.

Begin with your objective - are you looking to improve your instructional practices? Classroom management? Content knowledge? There are Facebook and LinkedIn groups which focus on specific areas (such as the Science of Reading) and practices (such as Universal Design for Learning). More importantly, as you learn new practices and approaches consider carefully how you can intentionally integrate the new practices with your current practices - for example Trauma informed practices need to be incorporated in every classroom given the impact of the news everyday and lingering effects of the pandemic. But they don't override the need to continue to include other approaches for SEL and curriculum practices but rather to compliment them.

Read SUSE updates (and HGSE, natch). Used to read EdWeek and PDK, too. Kim Marshall used to consolidate items, too, but I haven't seen that in a bit.

One way is to go into the classrooms and see what the teacher styles are and if the kids are responding positively to that style. Follow up year after year with the same group of students to see what has worked with it. Teachers are having to work too hard remaking the structure of learning in the classroom to meet the latest trend. If a teacher is successful with her/his students consistently, why break and remake something that works.

Most associations maintain online communities and forums where members can engage in discussions, share resources, and seek advice. These virtual spaces offer a convenient way to connect with educators from around the world and stay updated on the latest developments in education and learning theories.

Joining professional associations is a great way to keep updated on different learning theories. ACEL is a great place for Australian educators and leaders to join the conversation.

All educators should starve for knowledge,keep learning as life keeps teaching,and it’s never enough,so share your knowledge n assimilate into the system n percolate all that you receive,manifest abundance in your system.

Developing Growth Acquiring the cumulative knowledge of others can inform and inspire professional growth. The ripple effect of inspiration will impact the product delivered to students. Diversifying Perspective Learn from other systems, organizations, sectors, and their limitations/advances. Observation can lead to insight. Insight to design to experimentation to practice. I follow changes and advancements in healthcare, tech, and neuroscience, along with initiatives from educational and global institutions. Knowledge Dies without Action Cumulating understanding, ideas, and inspiration are exponential when application is practiced. Just as we want students to improve their trajectory, education can do the same. Follow your bliss.

Change in education is going to take people learning from each other. One golden thread that seems to pull on the whole system is assessment and grading practices. I follow and connect with people like Natalie Vardabasso to hear first hand the wins, challenges and next steps. We all need to know we aren’t on this alone. The kids are counting on us!

Experts often share timely insights into emerging educational trends, research findings, and innovative teaching methods. Following them allows you to stay updated on the latest developments in education, ensuring that your teaching remains relevant and evidence-based. Following experts can be a source of professional inspiration. Their passion for education and dedication to improving learning outcomes can serve as a motivating force in your own teaching journey. Their success stories can encourage you to strive for excellence in your classroom.

I agree that listening to podcasts and reading what experts are saying is essential. Education does not and will not look like it did years ago. As educators, we must evolve as much as the global market evolves because we are responsible for educating future employees.

Assisting schools and districts to put in place collaborative inquiry cycles. Learn by doing! No one is feeling like an expert in this current transition in education. We need to agree on one years growth and then leave room for innovation. Clearly describe student success indicators and evidence of learning. Be sure to STOP reflect and refine on outcomes and feedback. Lastly, make agreements and start the next inquiry cycle. Our mistake is making the systems too tight that teachers are not feeling like the architects of learning but forced to paint by numbers. The loose and tight of leadership. This model requires a lead from the middle approach with leadership teams to “huddle up” to create sustainable change in education.

Before implementing new strategies and tools, take the time to delve into the fundamental principles of learning theories. Gain a solid understanding of cognitive, behavioral, constructivist, and socio-cultural theories, among others. This foundational knowledge will serve as a compass for your innovative endeavors. Do ensure that the strategies and tools you choose align with your curriculum objectives and the specific needs of your students. Learning theories are most impactful when integrated seamlessly into your teaching goals and content.

To keep up with K-12 learning theories, utilize your time wisely for the following Attend workshops. Read research. Network with educators. Reflect and adapt. Experiment in the classroom. Seek feedback. Stay informed. Connect with students. Stay open-minded. Join My Sessions

We ask our students to take chances and think outside the box, if we cannot model this idea, we cannot expect this of our own students.

As an aspiring educational leader, having an experieced mentor provides an excellent opportunty to engage in professional dialogue. There are also great benefits in having a trusted colleague to reflect and collaborate with. Certinly something I'd recommend!

Not everyone has the ability to reflect effectively because it is hard to see the mistakes when you are the one making them. Having a colleague or mentor definitely does the trick. When you have someone outside looking in, it is easier to identify areas where one can grow as an educator and then make changes as you see fit. If you don't have a mentor, recording yourself and watching the recording is another great way to evaluate yourself without fear of negative feedback.

Consider conducting action research to evaluate the impact of your innovative strategies on student learning. Collect data, gather feedback, and reflect on the outcomes. This iterative process allows you to fine-tune your methods based on real-world results. Place your students at the center of your innovative efforts. Tailor your strategies and tools to meet their diverse learning needs and preferences. Solicit their feedback and input to create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment.

Keeping up with current research, theories, and ideas takes dedicated time. Sometimes professionals have so many priorities that professional learning gets put aside. I try to dedicated time every day to professional learning. I read as much as I can and try to include a variety of sources and opinions/ideas different from mine. While being open to new ideas or theories is good, what becomes successful practice resulting in student learning is the measure for focus. What has worked and why can help support what you take from new  information as you begin to think how or if to use it. Another important piece in the process is sharing ideas with your colleagues and gaining from their practice and reading.

Having student teachers are a great way to learn and keep on top of your discipline because they are coming in with new perspectives and are more willing to try new things having you as a mentor to provide feedback. I have learned so much from student teachers I've been fortunate to mentor. Some of their strategies I still use today.