Signs of construction of a professional learning community in language education

A case study

Abstract

The project “Languages and Education: constructing and sharing professional knowledge” (PTDC/CED/68813/2006 | FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-007106) evolved around the development of a community-based environment organised in thematic working groups of teachers, educators and researchers. The purpose of this research was to study the construction of such a community, as well as the professional development trajectories of its members.

The observation of this community's dynamics was based mainly upon on face-to-face communication through regular meetings. In addition, the e-learning platform Moodle (particularly discussion forums and chat) was used to bridge the gap between meetings. This study analyses both discussion forums and chat as well as documents shared on Moodle of one of the working groups, in order to identify ways in which the professional learning community in question, was constructed.

This research seeks to contribute to our knowledge about professional learning communities in language education, and puts forward some suggestions on follow-up networks or partnerships which may enhance and nurture the culture of collaboration initiated within this project.