Do Professional Learning Communities Impact Student Learning? An Analysis of Recent Studies

• In Event: Professional Learning Communities' Impact on Teacher and Student Learning

Abstract

The ultimate aim of professional development, both in theory and practice, is to provide teachers with learning opportunities so that student learning improves. Professional learning communities (PLCs) are one of many professional development structures that bring educators together to improve student learning. This review provides a critical analysis of current PLC literature that empirically examines the impact of PLCs on student learning. The purposes of the session are to (a) present commonly reported results in the studies that relate to student learning, (b) outline methodological issues in studies that might be problematic to the reported results, and (c) discuss the implications of this review for professional development providers, educators, teachers, and researchers who work to improve student learning through PLCs.

Authors

• Selcuk Dogan, University of Florida

• Alyson J. Adams, University of Florida