RSA #1 Professional Learning Communities

                                                       

Easton (2012) discusses why professional learning communities are important and how to make sure they are used effectively. The author outlines the five principles of effective learning communities.  

The five principles of effective professional learning communities:

1.  Professional learning communities emerge from passion and purpose.

2.  Professional learning communities are sensitive to the environment.

3.  Professional learning communities are a result of relationships.

4.  People in professional learning communities acknowledge a variety of solutions and processes.

5.  Professional learning communities energize thinking

Learning is more than just the middle word in professional learning communities (DuFour, 2011). Learning is at once deeply personal and inherently social; it connects us not just to knowledge in the abstract, but to each other (Easton, 2012). Part of this article is similar to DuFour (2011) and the “right work” (p. 61). Dufour (2011) states, educators will collectively identify the right work and then create process to support teams as they focus their efforts on those matters that improve student learning (p. 61).

Some learning communities are the type that disappoint educators because they may be professional and they may be collaborative, but they are not about learning (Easton, 2012). The main focus of the professional learning community should be student learning. Usually schools work is focused on implementing a mandate; these mandates usually come from outside the school and it is difficult for members in the learning community to understand and benefit from the work they are given. It is essential that professional learning communities live up to their premise, accomplish their purpose, and achieve their promise by ensuring that learning dwells in the center of the structure (Easton, 2012).

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Link to online resource:

http://web.ebscohost.com.cucproxy.cuchicago.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&sid=e857c616-a29b-4299-a10f-8b55dd814c2d%40sessionmgr114&hid=119

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DuFour, R. (2011). Work together: but only if you want to. Phi Delta Kappan 92 (5): 57-61.

        Retrieved from http://www.kappanmagazine.org/content/92/5/57.full.pdf+html  

Easton, L. (2012). Principles of Design Energize Learning Communities: Practical Tips Put

the Emphasis on "Learning". Journal Of Staff Development, 33(4), 49-54.