Creating a Professional Learning Community Through Appreciative Inquiry in an Early Childhood Context

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Chapter one: Introduction
  • Background and Context of Study
  • Statement of the Problem
  • Significance of the Study
  • Research Questions
  • Definition of Key Terms
  • Organization of this Dissertation
• Chapter Two: Literature Review
  • Professional Learning Community
  • Shared Vision and Values
  • Collective Focus on Learning
  • Collaboration
  • Reflective Dialogue
  • De-Privatized Practices
  • Appreciative Inquiry
  • Discover
  • Dream
  • Design

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This dissertation aims to explore the factors required for creating a professional learning community (PLC) environment in an early childhood development (ECD) context, specifically identifying the processes that facilitate building a PLC using an appreciative inquiry approach. The study also measures the effectiveness of appreciative inquiry as a tool for building a PLC.

• Creating a professional learning community environment in early childhood education.
• Identifying the processes for building a PLC using appreciative inquiry.
• Measuring the effectiveness of appreciative inquiry in building a PLC.
• Exploring the factors that contribute to a successful PLC, such as trust, collaboration, and reflective dialogue.
• Analyzing the role of appreciative inquiry in fostering a collaborative learning environment within the school setting.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter one introduces the background and context of the study, outlining the problem statement, significance, research questions, key terms, and the dissertation's organization. Chapter two provides a comprehensive literature review on professional learning communities, emphasizing shared vision and values, collective focus on learning, collaboration, reflective dialogue, and de-privatized practices. The chapter also delves into the concept of appreciative inquiry, outlining its four stages: discovery, dream, design, and destiny.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key focus areas of this study are professional development, capacity building, professional learning community, appreciative inquiry, and the ECD context. The research explores the use of appreciative inquiry as a tool for building a collaborative learning environment in an early childhood setting, emphasizing the importance of trust, collaboration, and reflective dialogue.