Professional learning communities

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Professional learning communities

HomeSchool resourcesProfessional learning communities

Topic summary

Professional learning communities are often a feature of effective schools.

A professional learning community (PLC) is a form of teacher professional development that involves teachers working together in a collaborative, interactive and ongoing way in order to improve teacher practice and outcomes for students.

PLCs can be an effective form of teacher professional development because they leverage the expertise and diversity of the group for the learning of all in the group as teachers share and inquire into their teaching practice. In order to be effective, PLCs require robust, evidence-based discussion and a willingness on the part of all members to challenge rather than reinforce the status quo.

Research from the past few decades has identified professional learning communities as a key factor in effective schools that achieve improved outcome for students. There is a wealth of evidence that demonstrates the links between PLC participation and positive outcomes for teachers such as increased efficacy and professional growth and development. However, research into PLCs has been criticised for its over-reliance on teacher self-report data. It is also challenging to establish causality in the relationship between the work of a PLC and improved student outcomes.

The work of a PLC is an ongoing process of improvement. PLCs take time to develop and often progress through several stages, from beginning to mature communities, as teachers work towards collective responsibility and collaborative practices. The success of a PLC relies on key factors such as shared vision, a strong school culture, high levels of trust, and strong processes and practices.

  • How can we develop high levels of trust and cooperation to support the work of our PLC?
  • What should be the form and focus of our PLC(s)?
  • How can we ensure that our discussion is based on strong evidence and data?

Research reviews

An introduction to professional learning communities

What the research says about the impact of PLCs and how to set up an effective one

Practices of effective professional learning communities

An overview of the key processes and practices of effective PLCs

Guidelines for PLC facilitators

Key principles for teachers, school leaders and external experts facilitating PLCs

Questions for promoting effective discussion in PLCs

A set of questions covering a range of aspects of PLC work that can be used to stimulate and sustain discussion

Dimensions of a professional learning community

A useful tool for evaluating how effectively a PLC is working

The features and benefits of online PLCs

An introduction to online PLCs with suggestions for effective implementation and participation.

Webinars

Infographics

Snapshots

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