The Teacher's Guide to Successful Professional Learning Networks: Overcoming Challenges and Improving Student Outcomes

Introduction


1. The Call to Adventure – Realizing the Need for Change
2. Finding Allies – Forming a Professional Learning Network (PLN)
3. Challenges and Pitfalls – Successfully Running and Sustaining your PLN
4. Trials and Rewards – Adopting Cycles of Inquiry
5. The Return – Mobilising Findings and Getting Buy-in
6. Achieving a New Status Quo – Making Networks an Everyday Feature of School Life


Conclusion

“The establishment of professional learning networks can be transformational for you personally and professionally. This book takes you step by step through the process of developing an effective Professional Learning Network (PLN) to create and realise a new status quo!”
Catherine Carden, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

“The book impressively underscores the relevance and opportunities of Professional Learning Networks for innovation in school, while also addressing the challenges and pitfalls of successfully establishing, running and sustaining PLNs from the perspective of teachers.”
Colin Cramer, University of Tuebingen, Germany

“This book is a must read for practitioners, policy makers and researchers interested in Professional Learning Networks! [It] provides readers with concrete recipes with all the necessary ingredients, including leadership, trust and collaboration, to ensure PLN success.”
Prof. Dr. Kim Schildkamp, University of Twente, the Netherlands


The Teacher’s Guide to Successful Professional Learning Networks supports educators with practical guidelines developed from the authors’ practical and research-based experience in this area. Taking a step-by-step approach, the book guides readers through the different stages of inquiry and influencing factors involved with successfully running a PLN. The authors explore how teachers can participate in networks to achieve deep reflective inquiry and make positive changes in teaching and learning.

The book:
- Builds on international research into professional learning networks (PLNs)
- Uses illustrative case studies from a range of contexts across the world
- Provides step-by-step guidance to help readers establish sustainable PLNs 

Drawing from a diverse range of international contexts and with content stretching from early years to secondary, this book is essential reading for any educator looking to create, expand or enhance their Professional Learning Network.


Cindy Poortman is Associate Professor at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Her research and teaching focus is teacher and school leader professional development in PLNs. She has co-founded and is coordinating the PLN network within the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI).

Chris Brown is Professor and Director of Research at the Department of Education Studies at the University of Warwick, UK. He has co-edited two books on Professional Learning Networks, is co-editor of the Professional Learning Networks Book Series, and is co-founder and co-convener of the ICSEI Professional Learning Networks research network.