Affective Growth... Using Professional Learning Network to Engage in Leadership Development

I am looking forward to using Professional Learning Networks to build and develop my leadership skills.  I can relate the Affective aspects of learning and teaching because of the reference placed on feelings and emotions.  Affective growth benefits for me are that I implement my feelings and values in my teaching, and this allows me to create strong connections with others.  It has made me gain a sense of appreciation and enthusiasm for my students and collaborators.  Like, Torrey Trust, states, in her PLN Social benefits You Tube video, Trial--> Error --> Learning--> Innovation, will lead to more confident and ongoing learning experience.

As I reviewed the infographic, Seven Degrees of Connectedness, I realized that I can associate with Stage 1; the Lurker.  I can relate to the following statements;

 "I follow folks on Twitter, but I am to shy to say anything,"  and "I don't feel like I have anything worthwhile to add." Seven Degrees Infographic.

The overall reason may be because this is new to me.  As a substitute teacher, I do not have many opportunities to implement or diversify my own curriculum, but I am looking forward to discovering PLN's that I did not know exist and can guide me in my leadership development skills.

Second Principle

I completed 3 personality tests to see what traits I could bring to my PLN's.  Here is what I discovered about my personality and what I can offer.

 Five Thirty Eight:

All 3 of my personality tests had similar results, which did not surprise me.  I have an optimistic view of human nature and get along well with others, and rarely if ever, may put my own interests above those of others.  My score of 88 out of 100 for the (fivethirtyeight) personality test shows a high trait of agreeableness which has advantages when it comes to team building and maintaining the peace.  However, the disadvantage is when I am required to make objective or difficult decisions.

As for the Big Five Factor personality test, I scored 62% for extraversion which confirms the idea that I truly do enjoy being with people and tend to have enthusiastic and action-oriented outlook on experiences and exciting opportunities.  The highest score was the conscientiousness trait, 82%.  I live by my plans and am persistent in achieving my goals.

Another score that stood out to me was my score of 73% for neuroticism.  I often struggle with stabilizing my emotions, especially the tendency to experience negative emotions.  One specific negative feeling I have dealt with most of my life is depression.  It is a daily battle to think clearly, make decisions, and cope with stress, but I do my best to work on these mixed emotions and try to look for the positive outlooks.

The nice thing about being part of, or creating Professional Learning Networks, is that it involves a give and take approach (flexible).  When we share our ideas, resources, and learning materials that have worked for us, you are sharing and learning from and with others, while creating healthy relationships.  It allows us to personalize our teaching and learning.  There are many benefits to Personal Learning Networks. PLN Benefits