I've participated in social networking since 2007 and regularly use facebook and twitter. I have a Google+ account, but so far don't like it much. I also have a LinkedIn account. On facebook I belong to several social groups in addition to my friends, and some of these are professional groups aimed at mentoring.
One of these networks is for music teachers within our state. This network is working pretty well as both new and experienced music teachers ask and answer questions. It really helps to have a wonderful moderator who is positive and encouraging.
The advantage of this kind of network is that individuals can ask professional questions anytime during their day and get responses within minutes or hours. Some of the posters teach in small and isolated communities where physical mentors may not be readily available, and where they may be the only one teaching their subject in the district. Now they have a place to go and ask questions.
CPD23 hasn't helped me to make contact with others, and perhaps that's because I didn't reach out. Being a fairly quiet guy I have a hard time typing out to the cloud and trying to engage people that I don't know anything about. So, I think fostering a sense of community may depend on the individual.
Showing posts with label mentoring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mentoring. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
CPD23 - Thing #11 - Mentoring
Thing #11 discusses the importance of mentoring in developing professionally. I've never had a formal mentor, but I greatly appreciate some managers that have helped guide my "career."
One manager was a great friend to all, and who gave me freedom to make mistakes and to develop my reference chops without hovering over my shoulder. He also assigned work tasks that built on my strengths and interests. This manager also provided the opportunity for me to write an article for a professional journal of which he was the editor. Finally, he showed appreciation for me as a person and as a library staffer. He became a non-judgmental friend to whom I could go when I needed to talk.
Another manager also recognized my strengths and interests and encouraged me to plan programs and displays for our library branch. The encouragement allowed me to continue to develop my skills and experience.
I am grateful to both of these managers who took a personal interest in me and who guided me in my professional development.
One manager was a great friend to all, and who gave me freedom to make mistakes and to develop my reference chops without hovering over my shoulder. He also assigned work tasks that built on my strengths and interests. This manager also provided the opportunity for me to write an article for a professional journal of which he was the editor. Finally, he showed appreciation for me as a person and as a library staffer. He became a non-judgmental friend to whom I could go when I needed to talk.
Another manager also recognized my strengths and interests and encouraged me to plan programs and displays for our library branch. The encouragement allowed me to continue to develop my skills and experience.
I am grateful to both of these managers who took a personal interest in me and who guided me in my professional development.
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