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Navigating Reform: Nurturing Professional Learning Communities in Malta

Christopher G. Bezzina 1 *
1 Faculty of Education, University of Malta, MALTA* Corresponding Author
Educational Point, 3(2), 2026, e169, https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19622
Publication date: Oct 16, 2026
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ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper is to contextualise the notion of leadership for learning within the Maltese educational landscape, while highlighting the systemic challenges the country faces in enhancing professional learning among educators. It is argued that successful reform needs to start with looking at the notion of collaboration and so at the system and school level. Two main shifts are proposed. Firstly, a partnership between schools as networks and central leadership is proposed, one that is based on new forms of governance. A second shift is that of enhancing the professional capital of teachers and leaders. In this way, teachers’ professionalism and professional identity are redefined. This paper explores how leadership and governance shape our perception of educational reform and the cultivation of professional learning in Maltese schools. It argues that meaningful change relies fundamentally on nurturing trust as a guiding principle across both systemic and institutional levels. Ultimately, without a genuine shift in mindset, reform efforts will fail to achieve a lasting impact where it matters most, student learning.

KEYWORDS

school leaders leadership professional learning communities agency networked learning governance

CITATION (APA)

Bezzina, C. G. (2026). Navigating Reform: Nurturing Professional Learning Communities in Malta. Educational Point, 3(2), e169. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19622
Harvard
Bezzina, C. G. (2026). Navigating Reform: Nurturing Professional Learning Communities in Malta. Educational Point, 3(2), e169. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19622
Vancouver
Bezzina CG. Navigating Reform: Nurturing Professional Learning Communities in Malta. Educational Point. 2026;3(2):e169. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19622
AMA
Bezzina CG. Navigating Reform: Nurturing Professional Learning Communities in Malta. Educational Point. 2026;3(2), e169. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19622
Chicago
Bezzina, Christopher G.. "Navigating Reform: Nurturing Professional Learning Communities in Malta". Educational Point 2026 3 no. 2 (2026): e169. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19622
MLA
Bezzina, Christopher G. "Navigating Reform: Nurturing Professional Learning Communities in Malta". Educational Point, vol. 3, no. 2, 2026, e169. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19622

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