Networks For Learning: Effective Collaboration for Teacher, School and System Improvement

Educational researchers, policy-makers and practitioners are increasingly focusing their attention on Professional Learning Networks in order to facilitate teacher development and encourage school and school system improvement. However, despite the understanding that PLNs can contribute significantly to improving teaching practice and student achievement, there are key challenges regarding their use. These challenges include:
ensuring PLNs can provide opportunities for generating and sharing knowledge within schools
enabling teachers and professionals to direct their own development
helping individuals change their practices through inquiry-led approaches
facilitating partnerships which work across a variety of stakeholders
In this new edited volume, Brown and Poortman evaluate these challenges from both a theoretical and practical approach. A multitude of perspectives from a team of international contributors covers:
the importance of Professional Learning Networks
the use of evidence within PLNs
the impact of inter-school networks
international cases of networks and communities
the promotion and sustainability of PLNs
Also featuring case studies and exemplars to contextualise sustainable learning networks, Networks For Learning is an accessible and thoroughly-researched book, which will be essential reading and a valuable resource for researchers, teachers and school leaders who are interested in developing professional learning networks.