PLC facilitate planned learning

While spontaneous learning through voluntary efforts of PLC participants is the main purpose of the PLC, once the PLC has stabilized/matured, it can move into the advanced step of 'collaborative learning' in which members can enrol for open courses and support one another in learning, by discussing the concepts being taught, clarifying doubts and issues of members etc. This will help the participants move to higher levels of their professional capacities. Apart from enrolling in courses, such a collaborative learning can also be initiated through a 'book reading' program where members can read one book (or article or paper) together, or read and present different books to one another.

1 Rationale for the activity
While learning through sharing leads to greater equalization of knowledge/skills/understanding amongst members, the 'planned learning' through courses can help them in moving to next levels of professional development (PD) for all members.

2 Outcomes of the activity
TPD/CPD

Becoming academicians/ experts in their interest areas

3 Keywords/vocabulary
Planned professional development, online course

4 Content (language resource material)
Online courses are available from many institutions for instance FutureLearn

5 Mandatory reading material and desirable which can be also self-study material)
Why MOOC

6 Transaction of the Activity(training design)/Methodology for carrying out the activity
Identify areas of interest / professional development needs

Identify resources available for meeting these needs (online courses, books etc)

Join the course/ launch the book reading project

Share learnings, seek help to clarify questions/doubts

Complete the learning activity

7 Reflection about the activity (how, why, what it helps the learner/trainee)
Was the learning useful? What are new areas for PD

8 Assessment (two levels: self-assessment by trainee and Assessment by Trainer)
Assessments would be part of the online courses and can be used for sharing reflections of participants

9 Resources relating to activity (used in the module and also additional)
MOOC links like FutureLearn