Module 2 Strand F1
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Module 2 Strand F1
Professional Learning Communities
Professional Learning Communities
How do we create, nurture and develop a
professional learning community situation that supports the school's improvement work?
Such a community is one that :
Engages in reflective
practice
Works collaboratively to
learn new instructional strategies
Works collaboratively in
the implementation of new practices
Engages in action research
Demonstrates life-long
learning.
Read the following article:
Professional Learning
Communities: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Guiding Principles
Changes require teachers to
become part of a professional learning community.
Beliefs and behaviours are
part of a reciprocal process. Need to examine and change both.
It is crucial that the
pedagogy of professional development be congruent with the pedagogy desired in the
classroom.
Issues of equity must
permeate the fabric of professional development. The teaching and learning envisioned is
for all students.
Professional development
must be grounded in classroom practice.
We must teach all
teachers. They are all capable of making the changes.
("A Renaissance in Mathematics Education Reform" Kris Acquarelli and Judith Mumme, Phi Delta Kappan, March 1996)
Professional Development Issues continue to be revisited. There appears to be no easy answers to this. What we do know is that we need to be continuous learners. There are new ways that are being explored and implemented to try to meet the many needs of teachers today. The use of technology to deliver programs to ensure that teachers have access to opportunities for further learning is definitely a strong option today and will continue to be in the future.
The very fact that you are taking this course through the Internet - Full Distance Education demonstrates the interest and enthusiasm to learn and to gain the qualifications necessary to achieve as an effective professional educator.
If you check out these sites you will see some of the options:
Professional Development For All Personnel In Inclusive Schools
Congratulations...check in at my Final Thoughts.
We're done...time to turn
the computer off.
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