Creating Professional Learning Communities: The Work of Professional Development Schools

Comparing the Learning Culture of High and Low Performing High Schools in Pakistan

“…In embedded systems, people take initiative, give people choices in their work, and share learning and best practices across the organization. In an ideal learning organization, problems and mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities and every member of the organization is involved in networks of relationships that provide support for continuous learning and problem solving [8], [11]. Sustaining the learning organization by capturing and sharing learning requires a focus on system level learning, working collaboratively for the sake of learning and developing accountability models to fuel continuous improvement [22].…”

Power and perspective: the discourse of professional development school literature

“…(Myers & Price, 2005, p. 17) A few papers did describe the university role as an important one. Doolittle et al (2008) described how, ". .…”

“…There was no hiding behind a PhD or lofty ideas" (p. 20). Only three studies (Bullough, Hobbs, Kauchak, Crow, & Stokes, 1997;Cozza, 2010;Doolittle, Sudeck, & Rattigan, 2008) made mention of teachers requesting university expertise.…”

Professional Learning Communities: A Growing Need for Excellence in Schools and Varsities

“…Fullan, Hill, & Crevola (2006), claim that a shared vision and ownership will foster the quality process toward success. Developing and reflecting a common mission and vision, aimed at improving students" achievement through Professional Learning Communities, can contribute positively in putting the efforts in the ongoing learning process of the teachers in the educational system (Doolittle, Sudech, & Rattigan, 2008). Nobody in the school, even the principal, or any kind of incentive can create a culture or vision into the school system or make some behavioural changes in the members of the school.…”

“…Researches have also proven that multiple opportunities to discuss in Professional Learning Communities can build a stronger trust among teachers and between teachers and principals. It will also help in building commitment toward the developmental learning activities of the school (Doolittle, Sudech, & Rattigan, 2008). Professional Learning Communities are the best place to interact openly and understand each person in the school community.…”