1. The role of the PLC facilitator1

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Mid-phase Focussed challenge and support.
Refocusing and redefining based on data and evidence.
Fresh perspective and direction based on new information.

9. Final phase Dissemination of: findings outcomes potential action
limitations
identification of next focus/issue/question.

10. Four key roles in facilitating a PLC
Leadership.
Coordination and administration.
New learning and practice development.
Knowledge and practice.

11. Discussion
How might a facilitator contribute to the development of the characteristics that underpin a successful PLC?