What have you learned through blogging in 2011 ?
My greatest lesson is that the more community-oriented you make it, the more benefits you’ll reap in terms of professional development and good ol’ human relationships 
It’s been a great ride and thanks to all that have been so generous sharing, commenting and making my first blogging experience such a positive one.
Without further ado, 11 mention-worthy posts from ’11. Merci Adam for the inspiration !
#1 My favorite post: Do you share your values in the classroom ?
The post asks a very simple question. Comments from the PLN share very unique answers. It got the ball rolling for my RSCON3 pres which was a great experience.
#2 Most community-oriented post PLN interviews, who’s next ?
The 30 some interviews between ELT teachers all over the world started with a simple tweet… “we haven’t had a blog challenge in awhile”. You’ve probably seen a bunch of them, but here’s the list.
#3 Most commented-on post Month Birthday Merci
As Naomi Epstein noted recently in her 1-year blog b-day (must-read blog, 160 posts in a year and all heart-felt), I also threw a bday party for my blog… when it was a month-old.
Always an occasion to celebrate, right ! For this celebration there was a contest and a fine prize of a bottle of Bordeaux. 82 comments stacked up VERY quickly. Too much fun. Seems ELT teachers enjoy their wine !
#4 My first post Journey = Journée
April 3rd. How the word “journey” and “journée” (day in french) are related. I will always be fascinated with etymology and will tirelessly share it with those who also enjoy a good language journey.
#5 Most lightning inspired post EltChat, Etymology and Dogme Flies
This post wrote itself in 55 minutes after an #eltchat… oddly enough Adam was once again the inspiration. THANKS ADAM !!! It explores how science is a “cutting” way of understanding the world, and how more holistic views offer a more connective and united perspective… all through the etymology of “science” and “human”. Fun stuff.
#6 Most-tweeted post Why did you become a teacher ?
“Why” questions interest us all because it reflects on who we are. The 35 answers from teachers all over the world reflect this and are well worth reading. Thank you for sharing your “why” !
#7 Most controversial post The Why, Why Not and Will of IATEFL
3-part post sharing my views on the changing world of conferences. Unfortunately, probably not going to make it to IATEFL for the reasons explained in “why not”.
#8 Most personal post A leap of faith story Telling inspired by Vicky Loras
Vicky’s blog challenge was reaching beyond the typical 140 and inviting us to share more. I shared a number of photos from the 4 months of bliss I spent on the appalachian trail.
#9 Most-visited post Compare and Contrast Photo Blog Challenge
Anne Hodgson and I challenged the PLN and tons of responses flooded in. To this day I continue to get links to the page as Education students at a university in the US have made it part of their blogging project for the semester. Wild how blog challenges can take off !
#10 Favorite Edulang post Pay What You Want for our apps and donate to charity
Last week we launched an amazing program and the PLN came out in support. Please do continue to share this great opportunity to students, especially those preparing the TOEFL® or TOEIC® tests. Test Simulator is a great way for them to master these tests and get the score they need.
#11 Favorite language geek post What’s the hardest language in the world is the wrong question ?
You’ll have to see why it’s the wrong question… but I’ll give you a hint, it’s about falling in love with language, and my sharing of a bit of chinese etymology.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing, commenting and keeping me motivated to write. The Edublog awards are up for voting, but I’m not even going to link to them, because honestly, I’ve won all I need this year with your readership. That’s a prize well worth the effort !
Cheers, Brad
