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