Professional Learning 2004

	Children, on-line learning and authentic teaching skills in primary education
	Professional Learning 2004

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Professional Learning 2003
Professional Learning 2004

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Building on from 2003

The action research projects undertaken in Term3 2003 have virtually redefined professional learning leading to the development of a professional learning cycle that changes the notion of professional learning from a collection of events in which individuals participate in a somewhat ad hoc or idiosyncratic way.

Learning as a community of practice
Rather the 2003 projects clearly demonstrated the value of sustained collaborative learning focused on (inclass) practices. See

project report
professional learning brochure

These outline the key aspects of group engagement, self management and collaboration and the achievement of rapid deployment of practices in the life and work of the school. These outcomes contrast starkly with those of many so-called professional development or professional learning activities. Without ongoing supported engagement these sessions are often little more than information events. The participants are largely individuals who often face huge problems in implementing practices based on their learning because of their isolation.

Plans for 2004
The intention for later in 2004 is to develop tools, processes and artefacts that will help schools move their professional learning initiatives towards a well considered community of practice model. This will involve significant challenges given the nature of schools as institutions and the non-instructional nature of communities of practices.

In the early stages of this development the focus will be on enabling the school to be informed about

the concept, role and value of communities of practice
how they differ from entities organised and managed by the school
the school as an institution containing and linked to communities of practice
the learning needs of its members
the capabilities of its staff to support the learning of members

leading to increasing the school's capacity to strengthen and draw upon existing and future communities of practice with which it is associated.

Interested?

Please get in touch with Ivan Webb (contact details below) to discuss the possibilities in your situation.

For more information you may wish to acquire the book Cultivating Communities of Practice by Etienne Wenger, Richard McDermott, William M. Snyder