A Professional Learning Network (PLN) promotes skill development and collaboration, presenting diverse viewpoints, resources, and professional support to enhance teaching and student learning. Aligned with Standard 6: Engage in Professional Learning, my PLN supports my ongoing development, keeping me informed of best practices, immersed in professional development, and reflective in my pedagogy to improve student outcomes.

​

Creating My PLN

My PLN has developed organically through intentional networking, professional development, and a genuine curiosity to continue learning. I have actively engaged with colleagues, mentors, professional organisations, and digital tools that enhance my teaching practice. Whether through formal mentorships, department meetings, attending conferences, or engaging in online communities, my PLN continues to expand. Each link and resource provides deeper insight into effective pedagogy.

​

Impact on My Learning

Collaborating with colleagues like Julia Mueller and Rhiannon Davies has introduced new behaviour management strategies and interdisciplinary approaches, like combining dance with physical education to explore rhythm. Engaging with networks like ASME and AITSL has provided resources on curriculum and assessment, while podcasts, journals, and online courses have enhanced my understanding of student engagement and classroom management. These insights make me a more flexible and resourceful teacher.

​

Impact on My Classroom and Student Learning

Wisdom from my mentors has helped me refine my lesson plans, ensuring the content is accessible. Digital tools like GarageBand, MuseScore, and Auralia make music education interactive, benefiting diverse learning styles. Professional meetings and action research have reinforced the value of reflective practice, directing me to test new methods that promote creativity and morale in my students. Consequentially, my students are more involved, collaborative, and forthcoming in musical investigation.

​

Contributing to My Peer's Learning

I transfer resources, strategies, and conclusions with colleagues through dialogues, department meetings, and informal mentoring. Whether recommending a new music instruction book, debating differentiation strategies, or co-developing cross-disciplinary projects, my contributions help nurture a culture of shared knowledge. This joint practice has guided new teaching concepts across disciplines, strengthening classroom ventures for learners outside of my own.

​

Broader Impact on Peer Classrooms and Student's

Although early in my teaching career, my PLN has mildly assisted my elder colleague's professional development. Conversations surrounding inclusive music education led to the implementation of the Kodály method, emphasising kinesthetic learning. Prioritising the voice and using solfege with hand cues, students develop pitch, rhythm, and aural skills, promoting accessibility. Further, appreciation of digital tools like Auralia has facilitated technology integration in guided practice, providing interactive ear-training exercises that energise the learning environment.

 

Future Plans for Consolidation and Expansion

To further develop my PLN, I plan to attend key music education conferences like ASME and NAfME, while expanding my digital network through platforms like LinkedIn Groups. I will deepen my engagement with organisations like KMEIA, offering practical resources. One day, I aspire to pursue a PhD or a Research Master's in Music Psychology or the Cognitive Neuroscience of Music, exploring the influence of sound on emotional regulation, memory retention, and skill acquisition. 

Aligned with my research commitment, I plan to conduct action research on supporting students with ADHD in music education. Using a case study approach, I will explore how kinesthetic learning, group singing, and rhythmic exercises impact engagement, focus, and musical development, aiming to identify effective practices for more inclusive classrooms.

​