How can professional learning communities help you stay current with the latest education research?

As an educator, you know how important it is to keep up with the latest research and best practices in your field. But how can you find the time and resources to do so, especially when you have so many other responsibilities and challenges? One possible solution is to join or create a professional learning community (PLC), a group of educators who collaborate and learn from each other on a regular basis. In this article, we will explore how PLCs can help you stay current with the latest education research, and how to make the most of them.

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1 What is a PLC?

A PLC is a form of professional development that involves a group of educators who share a common vision, goals, and practices, and who meet regularly to learn from each other, reflect on their practice, and implement changes based on evidence. A PLC can be organized around a specific subject, grade level, school, or district, depending on the needs and interests of the participants. A PLC is not a one-time workshop or a prescribed curriculum, but a dynamic and ongoing process of inquiry and improvement.

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2 Why join a PLC?

One of the main benefits of joining a PLC is that it can help you stay current with the latest education research, which can inform your teaching and enhance your students' learning. By participating in a PLC, you can access and discuss relevant and reliable sources of research, such as journals, books, articles, podcasts, webinars, or online courses. You can also learn from the experiences and insights of your colleagues, who may have different perspectives and expertise. Moreover, you can apply the research to your own context and evaluate its impact on your practice and outcomes.

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Jim Jenkins

Retired Bethel School
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Professional learning communities (PLCs) are an approach to school improvement where groups of teachers work collaboratively at the school level to improve student outcomes. Professional learning community (PLC) schools start from a simple idea: students learn more when their teachers work together. An ongoing process in which educators work collaboratively in recurring cycles of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students they serve.

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3 How to start or join a PLC?

If you are interested in starting or joining a PLC, there are some steps you can take to make it successful. First, you need to identify your purpose and goals, and find other educators who share them. You can use your existing networks, such as your school, district, or professional association, or you can use online platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, to connect with like-minded educators. Second, you need to establish some norms and expectations for your PLC, such as how often you will meet, how you will communicate, how you will select and access research, and how you will monitor and measure your progress. Third, you need to commit to your PLC, and make it a priority in your schedule. You also need to be open-minded, respectful, and collaborative, and willing to give and receive feedback.

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4 How to choose and use research?

Staying current with the latest education research can be a challenge due to the sheer amount of information available. To ensure you are using reliable and valid research for your PLC, it is important to be selective and critical. When choosing research, look for sources that are aligned with your goals and context, published in reputable sources, and authored by credible experts. Additionally, ensure the research is based on sound methods, data, and evidence, and provides clear findings, implications, and recommendations. Furthermore, consider the historical and theoretical background of the topic and how it relates to previous and existing research. Lastly, look for research that is practical but also challenges your assumptions and stimulates your thinking by offering multiple perspectives and alternatives.

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5 How to apply and evaluate research?

Staying current with the latest education research is more than just reading and discussing it - you need to apply and evaluate it in your practice. To do this, you need to plan how you will implement the research, identify the resources and strategies you will need, communicate your plan to your PLC and other stakeholders, execute your plan and document your actions, observations, and reflections. Additionally, collect and analyze data and evidence to assess the impact of your actions on your practice and outcomes. Lastly, share your results and learnings with your PLC and other stakeholders, celebrating successes while addressing any challenges you encounter.

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6 How to sustain and grow your PLC?

Staying current with the latest education research is a continuous and cyclical process, so it’s important to sustain and grow your PLC over time. To do this, review and revise your purpose and goals regularly, making sure to adapt them to your changing needs and interests. You should also seek and provide feedback to your PLC members, recognizing and appreciating their contributions and achievements. Additionally, expand your PLC network by inviting new members or experts who can enrich your learning and practice. Explore new sources, topics, or formats of research, and challenge yourself to learn something new or different. Finally, share your PLC experiences and outcomes with others to contribute to the wider education community and research.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can professional learning communities help you stay current with the latest education research?

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1 What is a PLC?

2 Why join a PLC?

3 How to start or join a PLC?

4 How to choose and use research?

5 How to apply and evaluate research?

6 How to sustain and grow your PLC?

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

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How can professional learning communities help you stay current with the latest education research?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 What is a PLC?

2 Why join a PLC?

3 How to start or join a PLC?

4 How to choose and use research?

5 How to apply and evaluate research?

6 How to sustain and grow your PLC?

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

Rate this article

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