Professional Learning Communities In Schools Research Articles

“No One Works in Isolation Here”: The Socialization of Physical Education Teachers Into a Professional Learning Community

Purpose: Drawing from occupational socialization theory and social capital theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the socialization of physical education teachers in a professional learning community during induction. Method: Because this investigation consisted of a single school, a single instrumental case study design was utilized. The school was purposely chosen given its status as a “model professional learning community.” Two physical education teachers, three school administrators, and the founding principal participated in this study. Data collection consisted of a combination of dyadic interviews, focus groups, observations, and documents. Results: Data analysis revealed three overlapping themes with supportive categorical subthemes: (a) Dispersed and Inclusive Leadership, (b) Teacher Empowerment, and (c) Culture of Belonging. Discussion: Implications for physical education teachers include the necessity of ongoing collaboration with administrators, cross-curricular colleagues, and physical education teaching peers. Physical educators should seek to develop strong social capital within the school professional learning community.

특수교사와 일반교사의 학교 안 전문적학습공동체 참여 경험과 의미

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine special and general teachers’ experiences and implications of participating in an in-school professional learning community to encourage the disabled students to participate in the inclusive classes.
 Methods The researcher used the collaborative action research to achieve the purpose of this study. For this pur-pose, the researcher used the action research method of problem addressing-planning-implementing-in-trospecting-modifying of the plan and re-implementing. To this end, the researcher organized and operated an in-school professional learning community wherein a special teacher and two general ones would participate.
 Results First of all, the results of teachers’ cooperative participation in the in-school professional learning com-munity to encourage the disabled students to participate positively in learning can be summed up as follows. First, the school community members experienced some positive changes, while improving the problems in the school professional learning community, through the collaborative action research study. Secondly, through the collabo-rative action research study, the school community members could experience and perceive the educational val-ue of the professional in-school learning community. Thirdly, it was found that the special teacher and general ones could form a partnership for a cooperative learning. Next, the conclusion about teachers’ experiences and implication of their participation in the in-school learning community can be summed up as follows. First, the teachers who participated in the in-school professional learning community would experience the positive change of teachers’ perception. Secondly, the teachers would experience a positive change in the interactions with the school community members. Thirdly, the teachers who participated in the professional learning com-munity would be able to develop their educational professionalism.
 Conclusions It is expected that this study would provide for some basic data to explore an effective method of enhancing inclusive education through the in-school professional learning community.

The role of collective learning in building professional learning communities in schools in the Zambezi region of Namibia

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess teachers' and principals' perception towards the role of collective learning (CL) and application in building professional learning communities (PLCs) in schools in one selected circuit in the Zambezi Region.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research method was used, and the data were collected using PLCs’ questionnaires revised for circuit and region in Namibia. A total of 340 teachers and principals in primary, combined and secondary schools were involved in this research. Based on teachers and principals' assessment, high- and low-performing factors of CL are presented and explained.FindingsThe major findings are that the majority of participants either strongly agreed or agreed with almost all the statements. It was only in the statement that “teachers and the broader community role players come together to discuss better ways to solve problems” that a majority of participants disagreed. This research challenges all those involved in building up PLCs to think more about CL when they are in the process of structuring their schools as PLCs.Originality/valueThis article is the original work of these authors and has not been submitted to other journals for publication.

Sustaining data use professional learning communities in schools: The role of leadership practices

Sustaining professional learning communities (PLCs) focused on data use is a challenge for schools. Sustainability is achieved by making the PLC’s core components evident in schools’ organizational routines. Leadership can support sustainability according to literature, but it is unclear what leadership for sustainability looks like in practice. We therefore investigated what sustainable data use PLCs and leadership look like in three secondary schools, and explored how leadership influences sustainable data use PLCs. A mixed methods design (observations, social network questionnaire, school documents) was used to gain in-depth insight. The findings show that sustainability is difficult to achieve at both the ostensive and performative level. The schools differed in the form of sustainability they achieved. A broad set of leadership practices (e.g., organize meetings, participate actively in PLC, know content and procedure) were carried out in interplay by both formal and informal leaders.

Understanding new approaches to professional learning community practice and secondary school teacher motivation

<span lang="EN-US">This study was determining the link between professional learning community (PLC) practice and teacher motivation in secondary schools in the Jeli District, Malaysia. The cross-sectional research method was chosen, and the research instrument were the Professional Learning Community Assessment-Revised (PLCA-R) and the Assessment of Teacher Motivation Questionnaire (ATMQ). The sample were used 171 from a population of 306 individuals. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0 was used to analyze the study data. The result demonstrated that instructors in remote regions are working hard to guarantee that the professional learning community program is beneficial to them while also increasing their teaching motivation. The study’s implications have demonstrated the importance of cultivating the practice of professional learning communities in schools. Thus, the school can make continuous improvements to improve student performance as well as be a catalyst to motivate teachers to work harder to improve the quality of teaching and learning.</span>

Unspoken teacher conflict: uncovering female novice teachers' conflict experiences in professional learning community

PurposeThe professional development of novice teachers is receiving increased attention. Although conflict is regarded as an essential factor affecting the effectiveness of the school professional learning community, it is often hidden unspokenly. This study uncovers the conflict experiences of female novice teachers in an Asian cultural context and investigates how such experiences influence their professional development and emotions.Design/methodology/approachThe case study approach was adopted. Four participants were selected according to specific criteria, and two rounds of semi-structured interviews were conducted in five years to identify the conflicting parties, conflict types, coping strategies and resulting impact.FindingsLongitudinal qualitative data have revealed that female novice English language teaching (ELT) teachers mainly reported conflicts with their female colleagues. Goal, task and relationship conflict are the most common types of conflict encountered, while the strategies of avoiding, dominating and obliging are the most popular. This study also discusses the impacts of such conflict experiences.Originality/valueThis study identifies the influence of culture, particularly a culture of high power distance and an emphasis on “precious harmony”, on novice female teachers' conflict coping and offers insights into how conflict can be utilised to enhance novice teachers' professional development in the school professional learning community.

Relationship between professional learning community and teacher attitudes toward change

The main objective of the survey was to investigate the relationship between Professional Learning Community (PLC) and Teacher Attitudes Toward Change (TATC). By employing disproportionate stratified sampling, a total of 1004 school teachers from 64 Day Secondary Schools completed the questionnaires with valid data. The results demonstrated that, (i) there was a significant, positive and mediocre relationship between PLC and TATC; (ii) Principals' Commitment and Support, Collegial Understanding and Trust, External Support System, Structural Support and Shared Norms and Vision of PLC were correlated significantly to TATC and (iii) Collaborative Learning, Collective Inquiry and Reflective Dialogue were not associated significantly with TATC. As a whole, the development of PLC in schools has significant relationship with TATC that influences teachers' behavioural intention and ultimately determine their attitudes to embrace school change. The study not only provides empirical evidence that deepen our understanding about the relationship between PLC and TATC, but it also provides valuable insights for schools in those countries with the similar background as Malaysia in crafting pragmatic directions for the implementation of PLC in enhancing positive TATC in schools.

THE EFFECT OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY MEDIATORS ON TRUST AND SELF-EFFICACY OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION TEACHERS IN MALAYSIA

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between trust, professional learning community, and self-efficacy. Methodology - This study used a quantitative approach via a survey that consisted of 47 items to collect relevant data. This survey included 112 primary schools with 642 Malaysian Islamic education teachers. A multilevel analysis was carried out to investigate the effect of group level variables (trust and professional learning community) towards the individual level variable (self-efficacy). Whereas, the mediator test used the Monte Carlo bootstrapping method. Findings - Findings of the study suggests that the professional learning community mediates the relationship between trust and self-efficacy. Significance - The results of this study showed that the professional learning community is the most important element in determining teacher self-efficacy. The outcomes of this study should also assist administrators in maintaining the professional learning community in schools so that it can work more efficiently and effectively. Keywords: Trust, Professional Learning Community, Self-Efficacy

Teachers' and Principals' Views Regarding School-Based Professional Learning Communities

The study's aim was to examine the views of teachers and principals regarding teachers' professional development (PD) carried out in their school's professional learning communities (PLC), in order to identify the conditions that promote its success. This quantitative study collected information from 193 teachers and 10 principals from 10 schools in the north district of Israel. The study findings are based on a meta-evaluation of several PLCs in which different models of teachers' PD operated, and therefore, indicates a broad point of view beyond a specific PD model or a specific school-based PLC. Main findings emphasize the importance of a 'tailor-made' PD in a local school PLC, on one hand, and the relationship between teachers' PD in school PLCs and the growth-oriented organizational culture, on the other hand. Results further highlight the importance of simultaneously reinforcing both in order to improve the overall educational endeavor in the school organization.

Investigating teacher learning in professional learning communities in China: A comparison of two primary schools in Shanghai

This study examines how teachers learn in professional learning communities (PLCs) and the influencing factors in two schools in China. Drawing on data from interviews, field observations, and documentary analysis, the findings revealed that the learning culture of one school's PLCs was innovation-driven with the generation of new ideas and practices through continuous inquiry, while the other school's learning culture was inheritance-led with the acquisition of existing knowledge through one-way transmission of experience. It also found that effective teacher learning relies on a shared vision, in-depth collaboration, supportive and distributed leadership, a facilitative structure, and a collaborative and innovative culture.

Essential practices of school principals in developing professional learning communities in schools: a systematic literature review 2010-2019

Essential practices of school principals in developing professional learning communities in schools: a systematic literature review 2010-2019

Essential practices of school principals in developing professional learning communities in schools: a systematic literature review 2010-2019

Essential practices of school principals in developing professional learning communities in schools: a systematic literature review 2010-2019

Principal professional identity: Giving voice to children in a vulnerable Spanish context

This case study investigated the strategies used by a school principal who successfully leads an educational centre in a vulnerable context. This article aims to explore how a school in a vulnerable context can be strengthened by the actions implemented by the principal and his leadership based on social and pedagogical commitment. Initially, the key aspects identified by the school community in the principal’s identity were analysed, and subsequently compared with their own perception to understand their professional development and leadership practices. The findings identify three main strategies that have been implemented to improve the school climate: (a) building relationships and involving the community in educational change; (b) enhancing cooperative work and the joint vision of the school–professional learning communities; and (c) give children a voice, respect children and fight for equal opportunities. Comprehensive keys to professional practice are drawn from these findings.

IMPROVING TEACHING AND LEARNING OUTCOMES THROUGH PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES - A CASE OF BUSINESS EDUCATION SUBJECTS IN BOTSWANA

The aim of this study was to investigate how Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) could help to improve the teaching and learning outcomes of business education subjects in Botswana secondary schools. A qualitative methodology was adopted and data were collected online through WhatsApp chats and calls. Through analysing interviews and reviewing of documents related to PLCs in schools, we were able to code data into categories that emerged from themes and that assisted in understanding the perceptions and practices of teachers. The findings of this study indicate that through the implementation of PLCs in school there is a likelihood of improved learning outcomes amongst students due to collaborative efforts amongst teachers in lesson preparations and classroom instruction.

Professional Learning Communities in Schools: Challenges and Opportunities

Existing paradigms of professional development seem to undermine the rich wealth of experiences that teachers have in the schools. Professional learning communities (PLCs) are designed to encourage teachers to look closely into their contexts and develop relevant courses of actions towards their concerns. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of secondary school teachers and school administrators in the Philippines while implementing PLCs. Interviews and focus group discussions involving 40 teachers and 24 school heads and head teachers from four different schools were transcribed and analyzed for emerging themes. Results reveal that there are four primary challenges experienced by the teachers in participating to PLCs: overloads and time conflicts, low trust towards fellow teachers, conflict with ranking and promotion schemes, and failure to appreciate benefits of participation. These challenges are rooted in the school operations and school culture. In terms of opportunities, the following themes are identified: enriched learning strategies and materials, support for new hires, better interaction between school heads and teachers, and more contextualized discussions of school and student concerns. These opportunities can be explored by school heads in improving the quality of professional development activities implemented in the school. Results also pose challenge to school heads on how to better engage the teachers into participating into PLCs to maximize the opportunities.

Keeping track of the development of professional learning communities in schools: the construction of two qualitative classification instruments

ABSTRACT For investigating a comprehensive PLC framework, instruments are needed that capture the multi-layered PLC characteristics and that take into account the complex influencing educational context. Such instruments are currently lacking. This study aims at describing the development and validation of two qualitative classification instruments usable for systematically identifying changes in PLCs. The 11 characteristics and accompanying behavioural and attitudinal indicators of a recently designed PLC framework were converted into codes and measuring values. For this conversion the ‘directed content analysis approach’ was used. The result is two classification instruments that can be used to collect and classify behavioural and attitudinal data from interviews and observations. The instruments cover all the characteristics, respectively indicators of the PLC framework and are suitable for validation by triangulation. This study contributes to the methodology for investigating PLCs by presenting two theoretically grounded and validated sets of codes, and two sets of measuring values. The latter is important for systematically developing knowledge on PLCs in educational practice. In everyday educational practice the instruments can be used to determine the state of the PLC and steps can be taken to stimulate its development.

A Team within a Team: Relating Coaching Concepts to Professional Learning Communities in Schools

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are becoming more commonplace in K–12 education. As PLCs represent a departure from isolation toward a culture of collaboration, physical educators may be ideally situated to shape school culture. Physical educators often serve the dual roles of teaching and sport coaching in schools. Sport coaching inherently involves principle PLC components of collaborative teaming, data-driven decision-making, and results orientation. This article highlights the congruent nature of sport coaching and the educational framework of PLCs. Drawing from the PLCs at Work framework and SHAPE America's 2019 National Standards for Sport Coaches, the purpose of this article is to encourage physical educators to utilize the PLC framework with the focus of a skilled sport coaching staff.

Elements affecting the development of professional learning communities in schools

This article focuses on the development of professional learning communities (PLCs), which are communities within schools, composed of voluntary participating teachers facilitated by school principals with a specific task to accomplish as part of a larger innovation project. Four PLCs were observed during 3 years by using questionnaires and participatory research. The questionnaires revealed that PLCs differed in their group characteristics, collective learning processes and outcomes. Through participatory research, we explored seven elements affecting the development of PLCs, namely, task perceptions, group composition, tensions between roles, beliefs about alignment, reflective dialogues, socialisation and ownership. Beliefs about alignment, ownership and socialisation had sufficient impact on the development of the PLCs. A case study including two contrasting PLCs indicated interrelations between task perceptions and ownership by members and between ownership and socialisation activities. Regarding implications, this research suggests to explicitly create and facilitate reflective dialogues and ownership over time for PLCs to flourish.

Investigating professional learning communities in Turkish schools: the effects of contextual factors

A great number of studies have focused on professional learning communities in schools, but only a limited number of studies have treated the construct of professional learning communities as a dependent variable. The purpose of this research is to investigate Turkish schools’ capacity for supporting professional learning communities and to examine factors that account for variation in the current level of development. The data for this study were collected from 492 school staff members, including teachers, principals and assistant principals, working at 27 schools across nine provinces of Turkey. Results indicate that school staff had a culture of sharing and collaboration, but suffered from a lack of material and human resources required for supporting effective learning communities. The experience of the staff, as well as the size and socioeconomic status of the school, appeared to be the most important factors in predicting the variation in the available professional learning communities. The results are discussed considering current educational policy and practice in Turkey.

Educational reforms and the practices of professional learning community in Hong Kong primary schools

This study explored the characteristics of professional learning communities (PLCs) in Hong Kong primary schools. It investigated the profiles of the strengths of professional learning community in schools under study and particularly examined the practices in schools which were identified as strong PLCs. It extends research on PLCs in the Hong Kong context and formulates a quantitative perspective to compare and validate PLC variables across schools in Hong Kong. The Professional Learning Community Questionnaire (PLCQ) for Hong Kong schools was developed to assess the PLC practices in six different areas: leadership for teacher learning, collaborative learning capacity, student-focused orientation, a culture of sharing, mutual understanding and support, and continuous professional development. A composite construct, the Professional Learning Community Index (PLCI) expressed in quantitative terms was utilized to assess the strength of PLC in a school. The research findings show that within the schools which were identified as strong professional learning communities, both the school leaders and teachers had strong emphases on the six subscales of the PLC practices.