This report presents findings from a learning activity conducted by the School Action Learning Exchange (SALEX) to support members’ efforts to promote evidence use in education. Given that SALEX and many of its members operate as networks, we focus on how education learning networks (ELNs) — networks of individuals and organizations in the education sector — support evidence use in education.
Learning networks in education are referred to by various terms including communities of practice, peer-to-peer learning networks, participatory learning networks, professional learning networks or networked improvement communities. We define ELNs as networks that bring together education system actors — including schools, teachers, government officials and organizations — to create and share knowledge guided by principles of adult learning theory and social learning.
In this report, we outline activities ELNs use to support evidence use and key factors that contribute to their success. We also provide concrete examples of these strategies in action. The annexes contain practical tools to help SALEX members, as well as network managers, members and funders of ELNs, implement these findings.
