Operating educational networks in Northern Ireland: the EQI shaped professional learning network

Joe O’Hara,Martin Brown,Gerry Mcnamara,Patrick Shevlin,S.N Vachkova,A Iskakova,A Koptelov

doi:10.1051/shsconf/20219801003

Abstract

This paper reports on the operation of the DCU Shaped Professional Learning Network (DCU SPLN), an initiative of the Centre for Evaluation Quality and Inspection (EQI) at Dublin City University. The DCU SPLN was initially established in Belfast, Northern Ireland as part of the Erasmus+ Project, 'Polycentric inspections of networks of schools', the focus of which was to provide an assessment of the potential of polycentric inspection as a tool for improving school effectiveness and outcomes. The cluster has now grown to 140 schools organised in regional clusters throughout Northern Ireland. The paper provides examples of the impact of the network on policy and practice in Northern Ireland. Firstly, it has a Hearts and Minds driving force that is centered on the ethical use of first-hand evidence to drive school improvement and associated action research. Secondly, it is underpinned by the existence and support from external agencies, in this case, researchers at EQI. Thirdly, the professional development provided to schools by EQI and subsequent adjustments by participants and advisors had a direct ongoing positive impact on improving the actual quality of learning in individual schools. Finally, one of the key learning points was the gradual transfer of responsibility for professional learning provision from the EQI researchers to the leaders and teachers involved in the cluster. The paper concludes with drawing some general conclusions about the role of networks in educational practice.

Highlights

This paper presents the work undertaken by the Centre of Evaluation, Quality and Inspection (EQI), Dublin City University with school communities in Northern Ireland over the course of the past decade
This work emerged initially from research conducted as part of an EUfunded Erasmus+ project titled “Polycentric inspections of networks of schools”, the focus of which was to provide an assessment of the potential of polycentric inspection as a tool for improving school effectiveness and outcomes [1, 2]
The research required a focus on existing structures of inspection and quality assurance and for this reason the establishment some years ago of “Area Learning Communities” (ALCs) that consist of clusters of post-primary schools was relevant to the establishment and development of the DCU SPLN

Summary

Introduction

This paper presents the work undertaken by the Centre of Evaluation, Quality and Inspection (EQI), Dublin City University with school communities in Northern Ireland over the course of the past decade. This work emerged initially from research conducted as part of an EUfunded Erasmus+ project titled “Polycentric inspections of networks of schools”, the focus of which was to provide an assessment of the potential of polycentric inspection as a tool for improving school effectiveness and outcomes [1, 2]. In recent years, this engagement has expanded to involve schools in the creation of a dynamic, research focused, networked. The structure developed to facilitate this culture has been named the “DCU Shaped Professional Learning Network (DCU SPLN)” and it numbers 140 schools cooperating across a series of local clusters [10]

Methods

Results: school networks in Northern Ireland

Discussion: outcomes of network engagement

Findings

Conclusion