Identifying factors contributing to the development and sustainability of professional learning communities in Malaysian secondary schools

Abstract

The aim of this research was to develop a Professional Learning Communities Model in Malaysian secondary schools. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to identify the underlying factors whereas Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to examine the measurement models. A total of 532 and 1062 respondents completed the survey with usable data for EFA and CFA, respectively. With normed χ² = 3.223, TLI = .950, CFI = .953 and RMSEA = .046, the results suggested that the model can be explained by two factors: Organisational Factor and Non-Organisation Factor. The Organisational Factor consists of four indicators: Shared Norms and Vision, Principal Commitment and Support, Structural Support, and Collegial Understanding and Trust whereas Non-Organisational Factor encompasses four indicators: Collaborative Learning, Reflective Dialogue, Collective Inquiry and External Support System.