How To Build Professional Learning Networks In Your Organization
Written By Abena Sey
August 8, 2020
Building a professional learning network fosters growth and leadership development. Your network is a global connection to like-minded professionals in your industry. In your network, you have access to resources to help you grow professionally. Good leaders share effective strategies to help their staff grow. Staff grow by learning, and growth leads to productivity. What can leaders do to encourage their staff to form their own professional learning networks? I recommend the following 3 steps:
Create A Collaborative Culture In Your Organization
A collaborative culture is one that prioritizes sharing resources. Provini (2012) suggested the following strategies: “articulating a clear, specific and compelling vision; matching tasks and roles to staff members who are personally invested in them; expanding leadership roles; and making coordination easy” (para. 10). To achieve this, staff must be committed to sharing with and learning from their colleagues as well as seeing themselves as leaders. **See my 3 Tips For Creating A Culture Of Learning In Your Organization.**
Set Values That Encourage A Collaborative Culture
Your values create the norms of the culture. In the education field, Provini (2012) suggested the values that support a collaborative culture are:
-A relentless commitment to improvement;
-A view of improvement as a team effort for which everyone is responsible;
-An acknowledgement that teacher behaviour is key to enhancing student learning;
-A belief that knowledge is constructed from day-to-day experiences, along with the ability to share those experiences; and
-A value placed on ongoing learning (continuous inquiry)
(Provini, 2012, para. 15).
Build Trust, Openness, and Integrity
According to Hanraets et. al. (2011), effective professional learning networks demonstrate trust, openness, and integrity. (Hanraets et. al., 2011, as summarized by MacFarlane, 2013).
Trust, openness, and integrity among members of the network are modelled through effective communication and mutual respect for members’ contributions to the network. Professional learning networks comprise individuals of various levels of experience and expertise, and this diversity leads to increased knowledge and points of view. Having diverse voices helps broaden your reach. You will reach more people when you learn from diverse perspectives.
Creating a collaborative culture, setting values, and building trust are three strategies you can use to encourage your staff to create professional learning networks. You must also remember to set the example for your staff. You are the learning leader, so be sure to demonstrate that you are a life-long learner.
References
MacFarlane, M. (2013). Understanding & creating professional learning networks. [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uoJwy3oa0I
Provini, C. (2012). Best Practices for Professional Learning Communities. [Web blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/best-practices-for-professional-learning-communities.shtml