Professional Learning Communities in Malaysian Schools: A Contemporary Literature Review

Abstract

Most professional learn ing co mmunity or PLC studies were often conducted in the Western context. Hence, this literature rev iew study aims to analyze PLC studies among primary and secondary schools in Malaysia between 2009 and 2018. The sources for the data collection process were obtained through searches on Google Scholar pages, Malaysian Citation Index (MyCite), and Scopus using the identified keywords, which are 'professional learning co mmunity', 'school', and 'Malaysia'. As a result, 35 empirical studies on PLC have been identified based on the set criteria through published journal articles and seminar papers. A scoping review through a narrative synthesis of the selected literatures, there are five main themes; PLC research methodology, PLC characteristics, PLC practices, the role of higher learn ing institution researchers, and PLC issues. There have been positive developments in PLC in terms of research and practice. However, the amount of local PLC studies is scarce compared to the Western context. A more robust empirical research is needed to implement PLCs in Malaysia.

Redes de aprendizaje profesional docente en contextos escolares chilenos

“…La colaboración posibilita vínculos entre los docentes (Ahumada et al, 2019) e intercambiar experiencias personales y profesionales. Estos datos coinciden con lo expuesto por Ishak et al (2020) y Soares & Galisson (2020) en términos de que este tipo de experiencias promueven la colaboración en un mundo que "cambia rápidamente y ha traído nuevos desafíos para la educación que son demasiado grandes para que los que están en una escuela los aborden solos" (Stoll, 2010, p.4). Asimismo, Hernández & Navarro (2018) y De Haro (2021) muestran que las redes propician una cohesión en el grupo, incrementan la confianza, fortalecen las relaciones y generan oportunidades para el crecimiento de los individuos y del grupo.…”

“…La colaboración y reflexión conjunta, por tanto, es promovida por las autoridades y no emerge naturalmente. Otras características nucleares de las comunidades de aprendizaje son: a) un set de valores y normas; b) el foco en los estudiantes; c) la desprivatización de las prácticas; d) el diálogo reflexivo; y e) la colaboración (Ishak et al, 2020;Soares et al, 2020). Hay autores que incluyen además una visión, metas y cultura compartidas (Cabezas et al, 2021).…”

Validating Professional Learning Communities Practice Model in a Malaysian Context

“…In Malaysia, PLCs serves as the main platform for teachers to learn collaboratively and collectively to improve the teaching and learning process. Since 2011, the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) has mandated PLCs to be adopted in all Malaysian schools to improve students' achievements (Ishak et al, 2020). Collaborative learning such as annual lesson planning, learning walks, time-sharing, peer observation, and action research are all part of the PLCs team activities.…”

“…Literature on PLCs is widely found in the West, whereas in the Asian context it is generally poorly studied, particularly in Malaysia (Hassan et al, 2018). Most Malaysian PLCs studies are based on western literature by adapting models and instruments from the west (Ishak et al, 2020). Exploration of studies based on institutional context and cultural factors has its distinctiveness compared to in the Western context (Zhang & Pang, 2016).…”

Organizational Learning within the Context of the Functioning of Educational Teams: The Progressive Emergence of a Professional Metamorphosis

“…Therefore, in order to provide this future learning, schools need to create new educational environments [3] to ensure learning takes place at every level of the school organization, or in other words, not only with regard to structures and the modus operandi, but also to mentality and culture, as having the capacity to learn requires conditions, culture and structures geared to promoting interrelationships and synergies [4]. The creation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) appears to be the most favorable context for improving student learning, professional development and teacher training, and as such triggers organizational learning, as suggested by various authors [5][6][7].…”