Learning to Teach for Transformative Experiences: Investigation of a Professional Learning Community Experience

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 5:10 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Collaboration for Equity and Community (Table 5)

Abstract

Three high school teachers participated in a professional learning community (PLC) where they developed and then implemented versions of the Seeing Science project, an intervention utilizing student-produced photos connected to content to increase engagement and relevance through transformative experiences. We interviewed the teachers about their experiences participating in the PLC and implementing the Seeing Science project. The teachers were very satisfied with the PLC, particularly the collaboration they had with the other teachers and the research team who facilitated the PLC. Additionally, they reported success with the Seeing Science project in their classrooms and were able to modify the projects when challenges arose. Results suggest promise in using a PLC to support teachers adopting innovative and effective teaching strategies.

Authors

• Cassendra M. Bergstrom, University of Northern Colorado

• Kevin J. Pugh, University of Northern Colorado

• Yousef Alardhi, Kuwait University

• John Darag, University of Northern Colorado

• Katelyn Hatch, University of Northern Colorado

• Ashlee Kemp, University of Northern Colorado

• Philip Mayhoffer, University of Northern Colorado