Exploring the Potential of Professional Learning Networks

Abstract

In a time of rapid policy and curriculum change, teachers must be knowledge workers who continue to develop professionally. Professional learning networks (PLNs) offer teachers the opportunity to develop professionally by positioning them as inquirers into their own practice and authors and agents of situated innovation. Six examples of PLNs are introduced in this book to illustrate key attributes of PLNs that build educators’ ownership, practice, and expertise. Also highlighted is the potential of PLNs to address questions of equity, both for educators working in remote and rural communities who have limited access to professional development and other resources, and diverse learners and equity-seeking communities (e.g., Indigenous communities, non-dominant cultural groups). Scholar, practitioner, and policy audiences can benefit greatly from the PLNs described here and draw from these case studies to inform equity-oriented PLNs centering the importance of teachers, students, engagement, collaboration, and rural place in educational transformation efforts.

Citation

Schnellert, L. (2020), "Exploring the Potential of Professional Learning Networks", Schnellert, L. (Ed.) Professional Learning Networks: Facilitating Transformation in Diverse Contexts with Equity-seeking Communities (Emerald Professional Learning Networks Series), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78769-891-820201004