Networks for Learning: Effective Collaboration for Teacher, School, and System Improvement

Session Type: Structured Poster Session

Abstract

A growing number of school leaders and policy-makers are focused on professional learning networks (PLNs) for improving education in schools and across school systems. Researchers, such as Hargreaves and Stoll, argue that PLNs are fundamental for school improvement and provide opportunities to achieve cost-effective educational change at scale. Many factors need to be in place for success, however. Correspondingly, this symposium brings together six PLN (case) studies from a variety of countries, to explore effective ways of working, and challenges of knowledge-sharing and sustainability. After an introduction each presenter pitches their paper, after which the audience can visit their posters to discuss their work. We conclude with a plenary discussion about implications for policy, practice and research.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Educational Change

Chair

• Joel R Malin, Miami University - Oxford

Papers

• Entire Local Education System: Educational Landscapes in Germany - Pierre Tulowitzki, Ludwigsburg University of Education

• From Data to Learning: A Data Team Professional Learning Network - Kim Schildkamp, Universiteit Twente

• Austria's Lerndesigner Network: The Dynamics of Virtual Professional Learning in Interschool Networks - Livia Anna Julia Roessler, University of Innsbruck

• Developing Communities of Pedagogical Inquiry in British Columbia - Leyton Schnellert, The University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus

• Establishing Sustainable School Improvement Through Professional Learning Networks
 - Cindy Louise Poortman, University of Twente; Mireille Hubers, University of Twente

• Professional Learning Networks for Sustainable Literacy Achievement - Mei Kuin Lai, The University of Auckland

Discussant

• Chris Brown, University of Portsmouth