Why Teachers Need To Blog

Very often, school administrators will ask new teachers to keep a reflective journal so that they can note their professional growth and allow themselves to see the big picture. In essence, they are asked to sit back and think about what they planned, how their lesson was delivered, decisions that are being made, what's working, what's not working, etc., etc. The writing process in this case forces teachers to slow down and honestly give themselves a chance to catch their breath.

Enter blogging for teachers.

Blogging allows teachers to not only be reflective about their teaching practice, but to also connect with teachers on a world-wide scale. Educators can take their ideas, expertise, and communicate to others in the profession what is cutting edge and innovative.

Take, for example, technology-related, Common Core-aligned projects. Recently, I had my 5th and 6th grade students create a multiple-step math word problem in groups of two. Now, this isn't anything really special. This type of assignment takes place all the time, no doubt. Regardless, here's what made it remarkable: I had the pairs of students not only create a multiple-step math word problem, but they had to use Prezi (a cloud-based presentation application that allows for real-time collaboration and sharing) to showcase their problem and show how to solve it in two distinct ways using different strategies. Not only was this innovative, but very Common Core with the technology/math/presentation marriage. Students were completely engaged and highly motivated...and needless to say, I was extremely happy to see that they were able to produce some amazing work.

The bottom line is that teachers need to take time to be reflective...and blogging can hit on just that. By taking on a blog, you can reach out to others and reach deep down inside your own take on education. So, take the blogging leap today and start your very own personalized reflective blog...you'll thank me later.

ADAM
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