2021 AIESEP Scientific Conference, Canada, 7 - 10 June 2021, pp.124
Purpose
Eventough literature has highlighted the importance of the professional learning community (PLC), there is
a dearth of research on the design and implementation of a large scale PLC. Two research questions guided
this 3-year research project: (1) How can a PLC be experienced effectively with university-Ministry of National
Education collaboration in a provincial socio-ecologic environment? (2) What are the effects of a PLC on teachers
and their students?
Method
Three provinces in Turkey (east, west, and central) were chosen with the following five activities; (1) Comprehensive
needs analysis of secondary school physical education (PE) teachers competency needs was undertaken,
(2) Technology-enhanced synchronous and asynchronous LMS guided learning with the PLC, 3) Teacher facilitators
were selected and trained to work in each province, (4) 14 PLCs were designed and facilitated over six
weeks, and (5) An impact analysis of PLC on teachers’ and the learning of their students’ learning was undertaken.
Results
Findings from this study showed that professional development in a PLC, planned based on a teacher competency
needs analysis and using web-based training support, can be effectively disseminated throughout the
country when provided under the leadership of trained teacher facilitators. Results also showed that the professional
learning of teachers participating in these PLCs improved and contributed to their students’ learning
about the lesson subject.
The symposium would share results of three sections of the large scale research;
A comprehensive needs assessment of physical education teachers in Turkey: First step toward designing quality
professional development opportunities.
Design and implementation of a LMS for physical education teachers’ learning communities
Effects of a large scale learning community on the physical education teachers’ and the learning of their students
Engage the audience in discussion around the findings and implications of this work for professional development
that might be undertaken internationally.
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