The role of the PLC facilitator

Facilitation is:

• providing appropriate levels of support and challenge for the PLC

• ensuring pace, momentum and enthusiasm is maintained

• keeping the PLC focused and on track• brokering resources• managing links and networking• critical to the success and sustainability of

the PLC.

Facilitation is not:

• command and control

• necessarily one person or one role

• fixed

• equated with formal roles or responsibilities either within the school or outside it.

Facilitation will vary due to the . . .

• different stages of building a PLC

• characteristics and culture of the PLC

• attitude/approach of school management

• purpose of the PLC.

What skills and dispositions does a PLC facilitator need?

• Ability to mobilise.

• Build trust.

• Understanding of effective CPD.

• Brokerage skills.

• Access to current knowledge base.

• Good professional network.

• Knowledge of enquiry processes.

The key characteristics that need to be developed within the PLC

• Shared values and vision.

• Collective responsibility for learners’ learning.

• Collaboration focused on learning.

• Professional learning: individual and collective.

• Reflective professional enquiry.

• Mutual trust.

• Reciprocal accountability.

Winning hearts and minds

• Tapping into felt need.

• Quick wins but long term goals.

• Purposeful, regular meetings.

• Agreed way of group work.

Builds mutual trust and respect

Mid-phase

• Focussed challenge and support.

• Refocusing and redefining based on data and evidence.

• Fresh perspective and direction based on new information.

Final phase

Dissemination of:

• findings

• outcomes

• potential action

• limitations

• identification of next focus/issue/question.

Four key roles in facilitating a PLC

• Leadership.

• Coordination and administration.

• New learning and practice development.

• Knowledge and practice.

Discussion

• How might a facilitator contribute to the development of the characteristics that underpin a successful PLC?