Blended Mode at Work or a U-turn Ahead? Case of Professional Learning Communities in Rwanda
Jean Francois Maniraho – University of Rwanda-College of Education
Nathalie Aziza – VVOB-Rwanda
Rita P Nimusabe – University of Rwanda-College of Education
Astherie Nyirahabimana – University of Rwanda-College of Education
Jean Baptiste Mushimiyimana – University of Rwanda-College of Education
Alphonse Benegusenga – University of Rwanda-College of Education
Jean Marie Vianney Habumuremyi – University of Rwanda-College of Education
Email: jmaniraho2@gmail.com
Abstract: Emerging professional learning communities (PLC) are judged to have a substantial assurance for capability and sustainable improvement in different domains and in education particularly. It has become a sizzling focus in many countries. In Rwanda, Professional Learning Communities for Sector Education Inspectors and their respective school head teachers are in place with initiatives of Rwanda Basic Education Board in partnership with VVOB-Rwanda and University of Rwanda-College of Education. The main objective of this paper was to explore the contribution of Professional Learning Communities in finding out solutions related to education problems in Rwanda starting from sector level through face to face and/or blended mode by PLC members. The framework by Rwanda Basic Education Board’s PDSI process for Continuous Professional Development (where PDSI stands for Plan, Do, See and Improve) was used to explore PLC sessions practicability in structure of identification, planning, review and reflection. The data used for this work production were collected from sectors within 17 districts of Rwanda and were analyzed using impressionistic summary investigative method for researchers to mirror on what/how PLCs are conducted. The study exposed that the role of PLCs in Rwandan Education is of a considerable prominence. The point of view pull together to point out that no U-turn ahead for PLCs in Rwanda but that the concerned organs are to put their efforts together to sustain them at any mode of delivery whether face to face, blended or online mode.
