Introduction
Various definitions of professional learning communities have been brought forward over time. The context of professional learning communities that has been brought forward by these definitions seems to differ from scholar to scholar. Despite the differences, some similarities are evident in these definitions. Due to this fact therefore, this essay will explore the definitions and the theories that have been advanced by three different schools of thought. The essay will go further and critically analyze these theories. The overall outcome of the analysis will be used as the proper meaning and purpose of professional learning communities.
Peter Senge
Peter Senge is a well respected analyst and scholar in the business world. He has received a number of awards due to his hard work and the brilliance that has been exhibited in his career. As a result, the Journal of Business Strategy named him as the strategist of the millennium (INFED, 2011). Despite all these, Peter has been researching professional learning communities. According to him, a professional learning community is an organization where people with common interest and ideas meet to share, explore and expand their knowledge and skills (Senge, 2004). As a result, people end up gaining the results that they desire, gather new knowledge and skills for expansion, and enhance their productivity together as a group or as a team. According to Peter, this is an effective forum that will assist staff of various organizations to keep up with the rapid pace at which operations keep on changing. This will ensure that the operations of an organization are up to date. This makes it easier for such organizations to meet the demands of their stakeholders. As a result therefore, organizations that apply this technique will have a competitive edge over their rivals.
Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger
Jean Leave is an anthropologist. All through her career, she has been interested in social theory. As a result, much of her work has concentrated on educational reforms. Etienne Wenger on the other hand is a professor at the University of California. In his late career, Wenger has concentrated on development of community practice within organizations. According to them, professional learning communities comprise a group of individuals who possess the same career or endeavors (INFED, 2004). According to them, a group of students, a band of musicians, a group of engineers, a group of doctors and so on can form a professional learning community. This can only be achieved if all the members are of the same profession. Due to this fact, the ideas and skills that they may share, learn or acquire will be used to enhance their individual careers.
Robert Eaker, Richard DuFour, and Rebecca DuFour
According to these scholars, professional learning communities are composed individuals who have the same interests. To achieve their individual goals and objectives and the collective goal of the organization, these individuals have to work together to improve on their innovation and creativity (Richard et al, 2008). According to them, the key characteristics of professional learning communities include: a strong mission statement with clearly set goals and objectives, collaborative teams, continuous exploration and experimentation, consistent growth and development and achievement of the desired results. These characteristics are critical for the organization to achieve its goals and targets.
Conclusion
From the theories presented above, it is evident that professional learning communities should comprise individuals who have the same interests and objectives. The group only acts as a forum through which they can present and share their thoughts and ideas so that they are able to overcome the problems and obstacles that they may be facing in their careers and professions.
References
INFED. (2011). Professional Learning Communities. infed.org. Web.
Richard, D., Rebecca, D. and Robert, E. (2008). Revisiting professional learning communities at work: new insights for improving schools. Boston: Solution Tree.
Senge, P. (2004). Excerpt Spirituality in Business and Life: Asking the Right Questions. New York: Digital Publishers.