Unveiling the Drivers, Barriers, and Structures of Collaboration Within School Professional Learning Networks

• In Event: Getting Out of Dodge: Exploring School Organization and Leadership in International Contexts

Abstract

This study responds to the increasing call for a more social approach to school improvement by investigating the important, yet overlooked interpersonal relationship among educators within a professional learning school in Taiwan. Drawing from social capital theory and the use of social network data and analysis, this mixed-methods case study examines the structure of professional relationships at one urban fringe school in Taiwan. Findings suggest several individual and dyadic effects of social, relational and cognitive components on the formation of collaborative relationships, and divergent views on the processes through which educators come to understand professional learning communities. The study contributes to existing knowledge base on professional learning network and further informs directions and decisions for policy, practice, and future research.

Author

• Yi-Hwa Liou, National Taipei University of Education