Universities’ training centres and in-service teacher development institutions from six European countries have joined forces in a project that aims to promote collaboration between teachers to enhance their professionalisation with the ultimate aim of promoting learning. The project, entitled “Leading and Facilitating Professional Learning Communities in Schools to an Inquiry-based and Reflective Practice”, is funded by the EU and provides an opportunity for practical application in school settings. The project will run from September 2023 to August 2026.
Collaboration between teachers is internationally recognised as a key success factor for effective schools. As teachers invest significant time in collaborative efforts, this should have tangible benefits for their development. To achieve this, they need to delve deeper into issues of concern, critically examine their daily habits and explore issues from different perspectives. This approach ensures that their actions are aligned with current scientific knowledge in the field and contribute to the development of the learners. Such collaboration within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) also enhances professional satisfaction and confidence in the success of teachers’ daily efforts.
The scope of this European project focuses on how PLC coordinators can support an PLC and what skills are necessary for their development. From September 2023, members from teacher training institutions and in-service teacher development institutions in Spain, Greece, Norway, Cyprus, Austria, and Germany are collaborating in the Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships in School Education (KA220) project. They are experts in PLC, teacher professional identity, and school development.
This joint project aims to train individuals who take a coordinating or leading role in PLC or serve as external consultants in PLC. The target groups include teachers from all types of schools, undergraduate teachers during internships, school administrators, teacher trainers, school supervisors, and staff development experts.
The project work packages will explore the scientific basis and current needs for the management and support of PLCs. In addition, a framework for management and support will be developed, emphasising the complex exchanges within PLCs which are characterised by exploration and reflection. The competences required for leaders or facilitators will be systematised in a competency model and translated for practical application. In addition, a training programme will be developed in multiple languages, enabling members of the PLCs and coordinators to improve their skills in supporting PLCs. The outcome will include a series of pedagogical and methodological activities, together with a training programme available for stand-alone follow-up.
The project is coordinated by the Weingarten University of Education, Germany.
The partners in the project are:
- European University Cyprus, Cyprus
- Pädagogische Hochschule Vorarlberg, Austria
- Universidad De Malaga, Spain
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
- Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet, Norway
- Centro de Profesorado Marbella – Coín, Spain
- Centro del Profesorado de Málaga, Spain
More information about the project is available at: https://www.leafap.eu/.
Source: European University Cyprus | News (https://shorturl.at/vyHOQ)