Formalise, Prioritise and Mobilise - How School Leaders Secure the Benefits of Professional Learning Networks

Professional learning networks (PLN) of teachers and others (such as university researchers) collaborating outside of their everyday community of practice are considered to be an effective way to foster school improvement. At the same time, to generate change, PLNs require effective support from school leaders. Such support should be directed at ensuring those participating in PLNs can engage in network learning activities; also that this activity can be meaningfully mobilised within participant''s schools. What is less well understood however are the actions school leaders might engage in to provide this support.