Cindy Poortman – författare

“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 NetherlandsThe 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.

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 development helping 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 networks international cases of networks and communities the promotion and sustainability of PLNsAlso 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.