Professional learning and an emergent community of practice on the Scottish islands as viewed through Biesta’s educational domains

Abstract

The Scottish Island Schools Network is a community of practice for leadership teams working in island schools in Scotland. This paper reflects on the emergence of the network within an island community context. The paper discusses how the emergence of an island network aligns with Biesta’s (2009) three educational domains of qualification, socialisation and subjectification. Drawing on the OECD (2019) report on rural education, this paper explores the professional learning needs of teachers in remote, Scottish communities, highlighting issues of rurality, benefits and challenges. It considers the role of identity and the tensions that can exist between the different ‘faces’ of a teacher living and working in an island community - as an islander, community member, teacher, and within a wider educational context. In an increasingly digital age, the paper explores the opportunities and limitations for those in less digitally connected rural areas to take part in professional learning opportunities, along with other practical considerations. Finally, the paper discusses the importance of preserving personal and social identities in a remote rural school, and how the unique experiences of rural educators may offer insights which are useful for the wider education population.