Culture of Learning

The majority of research on teacher in-service trainings focuses on isolated events, activities, and programs, and these professional learning experiences have been characterized as ineffective (Admiraal et al., 2019). Teachers create cultures of learning within their classroom, but the same principles and practices are not performed on their own behalf. For example, teachers offer scaffolding and feedback to students to promote learning; they assess and reteach as needed. Learning as an educator should be conducted in the same manner and with the same level of priority.

In their study, Admiraal et al. (2019) identified five areas that promoted a culture of learning in schools: shared school vision on learning, professional learning opportunities for all staff, collaborative work and learning, change of school organization, and learning leadership. Sezgin et al. (2020) also noted the importance of collaboration, specifically of learning through mentorship, noting that “sustainable learning culture in the school is a product of a collective effort” (p. 787).

Maintaining a professional learning culture require commitment from leadership and teachers. If educators claim to be committed to each student’s learning success, they will demonstrate the initiative to not only participate in professional development but to seek and maximize opportunities for professional growth (Liberty University School of Education, 2020).

References

Admiraal, W., Schenke, W., De Jong, L., Emmelot, Y., & Sligte, H. (2021). Schools as professional learning communities: what can schools do to support professional development of their teachers? Professional Development in Education, 47(4), 684–698. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2019.1665573

Liberty University School of Education. (2020). Conceptual framework. https://www.liberty.edu/education/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2020/06/SOE_Conceptual_Framework.pdf

Sexgin, F., Sonmez, E., Kaymak, M. N. (2020). Mentoring-based learning culture at schools: Learning from school administration mentoring. Research in Educational Administration & Leadership, 5(3), 786-838. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1420377