Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
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In professional learning, form should follow function
By Thomas R. Guskey
Categories: Learning designs, OutcomesFebruary 2025
In 1896, renowned architect Louis Sullivan coined the phrase “form follows function,” which became the guiding principle in 20th-century architecture. Sullivan meant the purpose of a building should be the starting point for its design. The same is true in designing professional learning. To achieve the goal of improving results for all students, we must make student success the starting point in planning all professional learning experiences and activities. Design issues related to how best to engage educators in professional learning and develop their buy-in, how to build on their existing knowledge, how to address issues of equity, and how to integrate expectations for collaboration are all important. But before we consider these crucial “how” questions, we must first address the more important question of
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Thomas R. Guskey, PhD, is Professor Emeritus in the College of Education, University of Kentucky. He is a longtime member of Learning Forward, best known for his work on teacher change and on planning, implementing, and evaluating effective professional learning. Contact him by email at guskey@uky.edu, on X at @tguskey, or at www.tguskey.com.
Categories: Learning designs, Outcomes
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