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Christiaan Huygensstraat 44, Zipcode:7533XB, Enschede, THE NETHERLANDS
Research Article

Professional Learning Communities in Vietnamese Primary Schools in the Educational Reform Context: Forms and Challenges

Hong-Van Thi Dinh , Quynh Anh Thi Nguyen , Ngoc Hai-Tran , Le-Hang Thi-Do , Hung Thanh Nguyen , Long Minh Dau , Bao-Phan Phung-Dinh

Professional learning communities (PLCs) are important for improving student achievement and school development. According to PLC research, teachers&#.

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Professional learning communities (PLCs) are important for improving student achievement and school development. According to PLC research, teachers' knowledge and practice in teaching are significantly improved by various PLC forms and favorable working environments. This qualitative research was conducted to find out what forms of PLCs were popular and what challenges were facing three primary schools in a province in Vietnam. The study utilizes a multiple-site case study design relating to PLCs in those schools with the data from interviews with the principals, group leaders and teachers, observations of PLC activities and related policy documents. The two forms of PLCs were identified in this research, including professional groups and groups of core teachers. Besides, four challenges facing PLCS implementation in those schools included the old habit of professional learning in PLCs, structural conditions of schedules and facilities, economic conditions of teachers and motivation for reforms. The study provides recommendations based on the findings for PLC research and practice within and beyond the Vietnamese context.

Keywords: Principal leadership, professional learning community, teacher learning, Vietnamese schools.

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