Challenging Professional Learning Barriers and enablers February 24th 2014 Sue Crowley
Dec 18, 2015
Challenging Professional Learning
Barriers and enablers
February 24th 2014
Sue Crowley
Professionalism in the context of Globalisation
Professionalism needs to be reframed in order to make it fit for purpose in the context of globalisation.
Globalisation:• highlights diversity as a valuable resource, has
transformed the impact of networks, communications and access to data and information
Professionalism in the context of Globalisation
Professionals need to acknowledge that:• much knowledge is contestable and perceptual so that the concept of
expertise needs to shift
• respect for colleagues, stakeholders and those they serve by striving to seek power with rather than power over others
• in striving for excellence they and their colleagues must show
commitment to deep, individual and collective learning and unlearning that aspires to be rigorous and systematic
• autonomy must be earned through collaboration and interdependence with a need to ‘arm the client’ (Bottery)
Professionalism in the context of Globalisation
• IfL had to determine how such a reframed ‘democratic professionalism’ should be promoted. This has proved to be very challenging.
• Trying to analyse and make sense the reasons for reluctance to engage by some teachers and trainers I have complied the following mental models which might also shed light on some possible ways forward
Distrust
Individualism Managerialism
Assumptions• Individuals’ destiny is
in their own hands; it not situation/context dependent
• Individualism is not relational
• Autonomy is about independence rather than interdependence
Assumptions• People are basically untrustworthy and
need watching and monitoring constantly
Assumptions• Sticks are more
effective than carrots • Reliability is more
important than validity in measures of accountability
• Knowledge is power so needs to be retained
• Admitting “not knowing” is a sign of weakness
• Quality improvement = meeting externally imposed targets
The vicious circle as a barrier to reframed professionalism
Objections to IfL reveal this vicious circle especially when seen as a regulatory force Something to fight against Something to reinforce How can we move from vicious to
virtuous circle?
Vicious Circle of Distrust
Trust
Interdependence
Reframed professionalism
Assumptions• Co-operative,
collaborative and relational society
• “ no man is an island”
• Focus on sustainability, well being and empathy
• The virtuous circle to enable reframed professionalism
AssumptionsTo develop trust we must take risks; this may
lead to disappointments and learning opportunities. People fundamentally prefer to
do good than harm
Assumptions• Previous concepts no
longer fit for purpose• Truth/knowledge is
contestable • Professionalism
requires respect between professionals and those they serve with acknowledgement
• of ‘power with’ rather than ‘power over’
• Accountability is crucial but measurement must balance reliability and validity
• Quality Improvement is about striving for personal and professional excellence
Virtuous Circle of
Trust