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:
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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 . . .
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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?
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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
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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?