…And so the quest continues to better understand how we foster collaboration for deeper learning. In my position as a coach I am privileged in that I have time to dream, wonder and reflect-a liberty that it too rarely afforded to teachers in the trenches. I figure it is worth getting my head out of the clouds and really push to move from theory to practice. So here I go…
- Collaboration is a skill That needs to be taught, reinforced, revisited and reflected upon OFTEN! We can reinforce meaningful collaboration by thinking about:
- Scaffolding behaviors for engaging in group work by establishing and reinforcing specific behavior norms
- Talk moves and protocols to ensure power is distributed and all voices are heard
- Thinking routines and practices to reinforce habits that lead to deeper level thinking/dialogue/collaboration
- Providing multiple entry points that allow all members of the group to engage in discussion
2. The role of the teacher as facilitator is crucial:
- The teacher needs to relinquish ownership of their learning (this is what Cohen and Horne refer to as “interdependence” and what I’m pretty excited to be learning about from Berger, Rugen and Woodfin)
- Work isn’t done to please teacher-yup read that one a few times!
- The teacher isn’t assumed to “have the answer” or be the sole source of knowledge-read that one again too!
- The teacher encourages students to make mistakes and struggle, while being persistent and not depended upon the teacher when they are stuck
- The teacher lives the idea of personalization by getting to know student strengths, needs and skills, and builds their confidence so that they can bring their strengths to the table.
3. Here are some other quick tips from the Teaching Channel that are worth checking out: https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2014/03/25/deeper-learning-student-collaboration/#more-110274
Just went I felt like I was starting to become grounded in my thinking about collaboration for conceptual learning, I was launched back into the ‘theoretical clouds’ by a good friend and a few colleagues who threw this TED talk my way on introverts. In the midst of my “collaboration quest” this really rocked my world! So you are saying maybe we don’t always have to collaborate?! And forcing
(I mean facilitating) students to collaborate actually negates different learning styles and personalities? So then How do we strike a balance between collaboration and quiet to get to that sweet spot of deeper learning for all?
…I’m seeing a Part III in the making…back on the quest I go…