Professional demands and professional learning – the role of the networks

This chapter focuses on the demands on teachers and schools which arise from a network approach, recognised widely as more demanding than traditional practice. The analysis aims at providing useful insights on ways in which innovative pedagogies can be successfully implemented in the daily life of classrooms. It details the central importance of professional learning, which often represents core business for the networks themselves. In fact, the very nature of, and need for, continuous professional development not only guarantees the implementation of the educational goals of teachers, but it is also paramount to understanding the importance of school networking and its relation to innovation. The chapter ends with a discussion on whether and how the networks and participating schools have been evaluated.