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What is Professional Learning Communities

Handbook of Research on the Global Empowerment of Educators and Student Learning Through Action Research
A way to organize teachers to collaborate and engage in professional learning.
Published in Chapter:
Transitioning the Elementary Mathematics Classroom to Virtual Learning: Exploring the Perspectives and Experiences of Teachers
Christie Lynn Martin (University of South Carolina, USA), Kristin E. Harbour (University of South Carolina, USA), and Drew Polly (University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-6922-1.ch015
Abstract
In this chapter, the authors explore the experiences of K-12 teachers as they navigated an abrupt transition from a traditional face-to-face mathematics classroom to virtual learning. The authors used a survey to ask teachers to explain what effective mathematics instruction meant for their classroom. Their responses most closely aligned with four of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) effective practices. The survey continued to prompt teachers to share their concerns for the transition, the most effective virtual tools they implemented, support they received, how their virtual classrooms would influence their return to face, and where they needed more support. The authors offer recommendations for supporting teachers as the virtual classroom currently remains in place for many and for transitioning back to the traditional face-to-face classroom. Technology use and digital competence continues to expand in K-12 education.
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Using Design Thinking Practices to Create Technology-Driven Adult Professional Development Programs
Groups of teachers, administrators, and staff members that meet regularly to share ideas and expertise to improve teaching performance and learning achievement.
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Potentials and Challenges of a Situated Professional Development Model
A strategy of collaborative and situated learning in which a group of practitioners work together towards particular goals and by sharing expertise.
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The Power of Praxis: Critical Thinking and Reflection in Teacher Development
While “there is no universal definition of a professional learning community,” a professional learning community can generally be defined as a group of individuals which regularly collaborate to critically reflect on their practice for the purpose of individual professional growth as well as advancement of the group ( Stoll, Bolam, McMahon, Wallace, & Thomas, 2006 ).
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Supporting the Habits and Practices of Teacher Expertise Development
A learning community of educators in the school who have the responsibility and accountability for delivering an effective learning program for students. The communities meet through job-embedded structures to increase their learning related to the learning needs of students ( Hall & Hord, 2020 ).
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Universal Design for Learning: Accessible Learning Environments and School Development
A method to foster collaborative learning among colleagues within a particular work environment or field. It is often used in schools as a way to organise teachers into working groups of practice-based professional learning.
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Designing Elementary Mathematics Games using Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices
A group of educators that meet regularly to share expertise and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students.
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Optimizing Conditions for Learning and Teaching in K-20 Education
These communities foster collaboration among teachers. In a non-judgmental manner, teachers discuss best practices for teaching and learning.
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Challenges to Implementing STEM Professional Development From an Ecological Systems Perspective
Groups of teachers working together to improve teaching and learning within their classrooms.
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Generalizable Models for Online Professional Learning Communities for America's K-12 Teachers
A method to foster collaborative learning among colleagues within a particular work environment or field.
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Authentic Inquiry With Undergraduate Preservice Teachers in Synchronous Interactive Video Conferencing Courses
Groups of preservice or practicing teachers who come together to learn more about teaching and to improve their pedagogical practices.
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How School Leaders Can Support Teachers With Program Implementation
Working groups of educators that collaborate to develop instructional strategies and skills and analyze data to improve student achievement.
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The Pivotal Role of Faculty in Online Student Engagement and Retention
In the context of this chapter, a professional learning community can be formal or informal and serves the function of providing collaboration with colleagues for the purpose of discussing strategies of best practice for teaching online, examining one’s own teaching outcomes through collection of data, and making decisions for teaching modifications based on collected data.
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