A Mixed-Method Study on Professional Learning Communities in Enhancing the Digital Competence of Primary Schools English Teachers in Malaysia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/

Keywords:

Professional learning community, digital competence, primary English language teachers, quality education, teacher professional development

Abstract

The current study examined the relationships between primary school English language teachers’ engagement in Professional Learning Community (PLC) and their digital competence. It also explored the challenges faced by the teachers in participating in PLCs. A mixed-method research design employing an online survey and semi-structured interviews was used to collect data. For the survey, the cluster sampling technique was used to select 150 primary school English teachers, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics. For the qualitative method, 10 teachers were chosen using purposive sampling to participate in online semi-structured interviews. The interview data were then analysed using thematic analysis. The quantitative findings showed a positive correlation between PLC engagement and teachers' digital competence. It showed that teachers who are actively engaged in PLCs have a higher level of digital competence. The qualitative findings identified five major themes of challenges faced by teachers in PLC participation: workload constraints, insufficient collaboration, inconsistent leadership support, and limited digital training. Findings suggest that improved leadership engagement, adequate resource provision, and targeted digital training within PLCs are key factors for enhancing teachers' digital literacy and enabling meaningful technology integration in teaching English in primary schools.

Author Biographies

  • Sharon Vijaya a/p Balakrishnan, Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Nilai, Malay

    Sharon Vijaya a/p Balakrishnan is currently pursuing her PhD in Education at INTI International University, Malaysia. She is a lecturer at IPG Kampus Pendidikan Teknik, where she trains and mentors pre-service English language teachers. Her research interests include teacher professional development, the use of AI tools in education, digital literacy, and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Sharon is passionate about improving English language teaching through technology and innovative practices. She has been actively involved in national education programs and regularly presents her work at academic conferences.

     

  • Priyadarshini Muthukrishnan, Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia

    Priyadarshini Muthukrishnan has a Ph.d. in Education and is a research enthusiast. Her research is focused on AI in Education, growth mindset teaching practices, higher education, teacher professional development, teacher training, and open and distance education. She is passionate about exploring interdisciplinary education research. Priya has published widely in SCOPUS-indexed journals.

     

  • Rabindra Dev Prasad, Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia

    Rabindra Dev Prasad obtained his PhD Education in Pedagogy and Curriculum from  the National University of Malaysia (UKM) in 2016. He developed the national English Language curriculum during his stint with the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Currently Dr. Rabindra is the Dean of Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts in INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia.

  • Chinun Boonroungrut, Department of Psychology and Guidance, Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Dr. Chinun Boonroungrut, Deputy Dean at Silpakorn University, Thailand, specializes in developmental psychology, youth innovation, and mental health. He leads interdisciplinary research on gamified learning and policy innovation, and was awarded Thailand’s 2023 National Outstanding Researcher in Education. He actively fosters collaborative, transformative education across ASEAN and global contexts.

  • Wulan Patria Saroinsong, 5Department of Early Childhood Education, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia

    Dr. Wulan Patria Saroinsong is a Psychologist & Educator in Developmental  Educational Psychology. She Dedicated lecturer and researcher with expertise in early childhood education, mental health, and inclusive education.Proven track record of publishing impactful research, developing innovative teaching tools, and leading community service projects. With a strong academic background and respectable H-index, she drive practical applications of educational psychology to enhance learning outcomes and promote well-being."

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2025-11-20

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Vol. 26 No. 4 (2025): Special Issue GLoCALL 2024 Conference Papers

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A Mixed-Method Study on Professional Learning Communities in Enhancing the Digital Competence of Primary Schools English Teachers in Malaysia. (2025). Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal, 26(4), 488-511. https://doi.org/10.54855/