2. Building a learning organisation
A ‘learning organisation’ is one in which everyone has the opportunity to learn and in which ‘learning for all’ is part of the ethos of the school. School-based teacher development provides such an opportunity for teachers, in a way which is likely to
be effective in developing their classroom practice.
Organisational learning, also requires collective monitoring and reflection on new initiatives, systems and processes. A ‘learning organisation’ is one which reviews the impact of school, policies, roles and ways of working, so they know what they need
to change.
Activity 3.1: What is a learning organisation?
You are advised to spend 20 mins on this activity
- What do you think it feels like to be part of a ‘learning organisation’? In your notebook, write down your ideas.
- What might prevent a school from developing as a ‘learning organisation’?
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Reveal
In a learning organisation, people are collaborative, open to ideas, supportive, innovative and willing to try new things. If you joined a school like this, you would be welcomed and supported. People would share their resources with you and would be interested in your reaction to the established ways of working. They would be open to suggestions that you might have based on your experience. There would be regular opportunities to take part in professional development activities, and your manager would discuss your professional development needs with you.
Once you had been there for a while, it would be clear that people trust each other, and are willing to ask for help. Teachers would be collecting data about students, analysing it and sharing information about students. Every so often there might be a questionnaire for parents asking them about aspects of the school. The head teacher would probably be very visible, conducting ‘learning walks’ – noticing what is happening, talking to teachers. There would be regular staff meetings in which inclusivity issues were discussed.
