Putting professional learning up front: a perspective of professional development within a context of collaborative research about curriculum leadership [1] [2

Abstract

This article addresses issues of professional development and professional learning within a context of curriculum leadership for effective learning and teaching. It refers, first, to a collaborative research project funded by the Australian Research Council, culminating in an emerging model of curriculum leadership; and, secondly, to two research-based professional development projects. The research approach used in the projects is articulated and the complex issues for professional learning are raised as a set of professional learning are raised as a set of propositions for ongoing conversation and debate. These propositions are an attempt to put professional learning up front in professional development activities.The emerging model of curriculum leadership, discussed in the article, has resulted from collaborative research work involving the Effective Learning and Teaching Unit of the Education Department of one Australian state (Queensland), teachers in Queensland schools and the authors. The collaboration has been ongoing for about 4 years and has included a significant research grant [3] to sustain the research in 1996 and 1997