Strengthening the support for new teachers through professional learning networks

Yvonne Bain, Kenneth McIntosh, Terry Kerr

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

    Abstract

    The Northern Partnership of the University of Aberdeen and associated local education authorities sought to create a more cohesive experience for the transition from student teacher to newly qualified teacher. Each local authority partner has a unique programme of professional development for the first (Induction) year of newly qualified teacher employees. However, a common aspect of these professional development programmes is an emphasis on developing enquiry. Therefore, professional enquiry has become a vehicle to enhance the cohesion of the professional learning experiences from ITE to the induction year, across the partnership. To support the development of an enquiring practitioner, a virtual network of networks has been created: the Northern Partnership Professional learning Network (NP_PLN). It is the intention that the creation of the NP-PLN will enhance learning opportunities by extending access to connected networked learning communities, and that these communities will act cooperatively to have a positive impact on the learning experiences of the participants and their learners. The cooperative learning model encouraged through the networks is consistent with approaches to professional learning promoted within the local authorities. However, engagement in the Professional Learning Network is intended to further extend the professional learning by making connections with other colleagues, ideas, initiatives, within and across the partnership networks supported by a virtual learning space. This paper highlights the conceptualisation and development of the NP-PLN. Emerging issues include how the partners implemented a common technological platform, co-constructed professional learning experiences within the different contexts, and accommodated staffing initiatives that are outwith their usual structures and systems.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages64
    Number of pages1
    Publication statusPublished - 2015
    EventTeacher Education Policy in Europe (TEPE) 2015 conference - University of Dundee, Dalhousie Building, Dundee, United Kingdom
    Duration: 14 May 201516 May 2015
    http://www.tepe2015.eu/ (Link to Conference website)

    Conference

    ConferenceTeacher Education Policy in Europe (TEPE) 2015 conference
    Abbreviated titleTEPE 2015
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityDundee
    Period14/05/1516/05/15
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • partnership
    • professional learning
    • teacher education
    • virtual environments
    • cooperative learning

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