ABSTRACT

In this chapter challenges are described which are facing schools today (section 1) and which ask for a redefinition of the professional services demanded from teachers (section 2). One of the emerging answers to social change is the development of ‘dynamic networks’ breaking the barriers between school and community and creating strong demands for a reflective and communicative approach to teaching and learning through action research. Such a network is illustrated in a case study based on the remarkable initiative of a biology teacher (section 3). In section 4 the characteristics of dynamic networks are described and illustrated in some detail. The final section deals with some implications of these networks for the professional development of teachers.