November 2025
This session explores how Knowledge Building Communities (KBCs) serve as powerful, collaborative models for the professional growth of Arabic language teachers working outside Arabic-speaking countries. Participants will discover practical strategies to overcome gaps in traditional professional development, address real classroom challenges, and foster reflective, community-driven teacher learning. Case studies—including KNILT, Macias’ teacher-led PD, and a future initiative for Arabic teachers—demonstrate how real ideas, collaborative discourse, and collective responsibility drive transformation in teacher practice.
Knowledge Building (KB) and Knowledge Forum by Marlene Scardamalia and Carl Bereiter: https://ikit.org/fulltext/2014-KBandKC-Published.pdf
This site explains the theory, provides research, and features the Knowledge Forum software widely used in KBCs.KNILT (Knowledge Network for Innovations in Learning and Teaching):
https://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/
This is a professional online community and resource hub that supports knowledge-building practices among educators.Article - "Knowledge Building: Theory, Pedagogy, and Technology" by Scardamalia (2002): https://ikit.org/fulltext/2006_KBTheory.pdf
Direct access to a seminal paper describing KB theory, principles, and applications.Learning Policy Institute - Research Brief on Effective Professional Development:
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/effective-teacher-professional-development-report
For a broader context on effective teacher learning communities and collaborative PD models.Singapore Knowledge Building Principles Overview and Resources: https://www.kbsingapore.org/12-principles-of-kb
This site provides a clear description of the 12 Knowledge Building principles, their pedagogy, and practical applications based on research in Singapore.Knowledge Building Communities for PD
https://singteach.nie.edu.sg/2021/10/29/knowledge-building-communities-kbc-for-pd/
