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 schoolsenabling teachers and professionals to direct their own developmenthelping individuals change their practices through inquiry-led approachesfacilitating 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 Networksthe use of evidence within PLNsthe impact of inter-school networksinternational cases of networks and communitiesthe 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.