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Author: Rachel Martin Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages :
Book Description
Abstract Only a few studies have questioned teachers' perceptions of collaborative professional development work at the elementary level; however there is considerable literature on collaborative teams as a means for professional development. Professional development programs are often diverse in philosophy, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, however the research on high quality professional development seems to support collaboration. The purpose of this study was to examine elementary teachers' perceptions of collaborative professional development teams. Capturing teachers' perspectives on collaborative practices could potentially provide insight to administrators when creating professional development opportunities for teachers. Are collaborative teams seen (1) as a mechanism for promoting teacher growth, (2) a way to improve their own practice, and (3) a way to improve the practice of their team? In addition, does the principals' control of these collaborative teams (4) have any influence on the teachers' perceived value of these teams, and (5) are the perceptions of the teachers and principals comparable in regards to collaborative professional development teams? The study included five elementary schools in a large urban district where there was a strong commitment to professional development. Two of the five schools participated in face-to- face interviews for in-depth conversations and data collection. Teachers and principals were a part of this case study. Through data analysis, the participants reported that collaborative teams were a positive means for professional development as they perceived it. The professional development teams were perceived by teachers as being more successful when: 1) there were opportunities to share in vertical teams, 2) there were structures and adequate time was provided, 3) there was a safe environment, 4) there was trust in colleagues, 5) the work was connected to the goals of the school, and 6) they saw student work improving as a result of their collaborative efforts. In addition, the data revealed that the amount of control that the principal has in creating the collaborative teams does not appear to negatively impact teachers' perceptions of the positive benefits of practice. When teachers felt that their work was purposeful and focused on school goals they were more willing to work in any team configuration that they were assigned to, as this helped them to grow professionally.
Author: Rachel Martin Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages :
Book Description
Abstract Only a few studies have questioned teachers' perceptions of collaborative professional development work at the elementary level; however there is considerable literature on collaborative teams as a means for professional development. Professional development programs are often diverse in philosophy, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, however the research on high quality professional development seems to support collaboration. The purpose of this study was to examine elementary teachers' perceptions of collaborative professional development teams. Capturing teachers' perspectives on collaborative practices could potentially provide insight to administrators when creating professional development opportunities for teachers. Are collaborative teams seen (1) as a mechanism for promoting teacher growth, (2) a way to improve their own practice, and (3) a way to improve the practice of their team? In addition, does the principals' control of these collaborative teams (4) have any influence on the teachers' perceived value of these teams, and (5) are the perceptions of the teachers and principals comparable in regards to collaborative professional development teams? The study included five elementary schools in a large urban district where there was a strong commitment to professional development. Two of the five schools participated in face-to- face interviews for in-depth conversations and data collection. Teachers and principals were a part of this case study. Through data analysis, the participants reported that collaborative teams were a positive means for professional development as they perceived it. The professional development teams were perceived by teachers as being more successful when: 1) there were opportunities to share in vertical teams, 2) there were structures and adequate time was provided, 3) there was a safe environment, 4) there was trust in colleagues, 5) the work was connected to the goals of the school, and 6) they saw student work improving as a result of their collaborative efforts. In addition, the data revealed that the amount of control that the principal has in creating the collaborative teams does not appear to negatively impact teachers' perceptions of the positive benefits of practice. When teachers felt that their work was purposeful and focused on school goals they were more willing to work in any team configuration that they were assigned to, as this helped them to grow professionally.
Author: Cynthia A. Lassonde Publisher: John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 0470553979 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 208
Book Description
Teacher Collaboration for Professional Learning contains the essential information, tools, and examples teachers and school leaders need to create, manage, and sustain successful collaborative groups. Designed to be a hands-on resource, this practical guide shows you how to: Advocate for collaborative teacher learning Develop and sustain collaborative research groups Organize and conduct productive research projects Address issues of ethics, leadership, and group dynamics Evaluate and sustain collaborative learning activities Based on data from a major survey, Teacher Collaboration for Professional Learning features extensive case examples from model research communities collaborating within schools, across districts, in partnership with universities, and as online networks. The book also offers a wealth of reproducible templates as well as reflection questions and exercises?invaluable tools for organizing study groups.
Author: Helene H. Van Natter Publisher: ISBN: Category : Group work in education Languages : en Pages : 316
Book Description
The study revealed that both schools were in developing stages of a professional learning community. Although the principals and teachers had their own individual goals about student learning, they did not share a school-wide vision; therefore, neither school satisfied the criteria of a professional learning community.
Author: Cassandra Erkens Publisher: Solution Tree Press ISBN: 1934009946 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 203
Book Description
The time of exclusive top-down leadership is over! Only teachers can transform education from inside the classroom, and this book defines best practices of collaborative teacher leadership. Specific techniques, supporting research, expert insight, and real classroom stories illustrate how to work together for student learning, create a guaranteed and viable curriculum, and use data to inform instruction.
Author: Amanda Datnow Publisher: Routledge ISBN: 1351165860 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 168
Book Description
Building on both cutting-edge research and professional learning practice, Amanda Datnow and Vicki Park explore how professional collaboration can support deeper learning for students and teachers alike. While many schools and systems support teacher collaboration, they often fall short of their intended goals of improving teaching and learning. This book provides concrete guidance for creating the conditions for collaboration in which teachers are moved toward—rather than repelled—by joint work. The authors explore how collaborative settings can provide a space for working through the inevitable challenges that accompany the changing nature of teaching in the age of accountability and show the motivation, inspiration, and energy that teachers personally--and collectively--gain from collaborating to improve student learning. Ultimately, they show how teacher empowerment towards working together builds equitable and excellent learning environments.
Author: Donna Joan Murray Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 276
Book Description
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to add to the existing knowledge base concerning the teacher-led study group as an effective form of student centered professional development. Administrators' and teachers' perceptions concerning the effects of study group participation and the evidence of change to which they referred was the focus. Research showed that study group participation is gaining popularity as a form of professional development (Murphy & Lick, 2001). Study groups typically gather educators together to learn more about topics of their choice. Their goal is usually two-fold: to improve both teaching and student learning. At sessions colleagues reflect on experiences, share what is working, and cooperatively solves problems of implementation. Evidence indicates that collegial conversations increase teacher knowledge, stimulate new understanding, and encourage teachers to try new approaches they might not have had the courage to try. The following research questions stimulated this qualitative study: (1) What are administrators' perceptions about the role of study groups in meeting district-wide professional development goals? (2) What factors do participants consider important when participating in a study group as a form of professional development? (3) What are teachers' perceptions about the effects of study group participation on their own teaching practices and on their students' learning outcomes? (4) What types of evidence do teachers and administrators provide to support their perceptions of teaching and learning outcomes of study group participation? This study captured the perceptions of 25 teachers, three principals, and one assistant superintendent. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, observations, surveys, and document analysis. Results indicated that administrators perceived study groups as providing a way to introduce new ideas to the faculty, to get test results into the classroom, to connect to district-wide goals, and to provide an opportunity for reflection. The type of evidence that most administrators offered was large-scale test results. Teachers described situations involving taking responsibility for student learning, using best practices, and engaging in collaborative problem solving. They found evidence of change in daily observations and large-scale test results. In conclusion, the use of study groups as a form of professional development contributed to the creation of a stimulating environment that supported teachers' professional growth and provided a way to accomplish district-wide goals.
Author: Stuart Carl Smith Publisher: ISBN: Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 92
Book Description
The benefits of a collaborative work setting--including such practices as mutual help, exchange of ideas, joint planning, and participative decision-making--have been consistently confirmed by studies of effective schools and successful businesses. However, teacher isolation remains the norm. Drawing on recent research and educators' firsthand experiences, this book explores the benefits of collaboration, describes various collaborative practices and programs already occurring in schools, and shows how these practices can be introduced using currently available resources. As chapter 1 shows, collaboration has no single model and can occur in formal programs or informally among a few faculty members. Collaboration cannot be imposed from above, but depends on educators' voluntary efforts at self-improvement through teamwork. Collaborative schools foster help-related exchange, harmonize teachers' professional autonomy and principals' managerial authority, and convert teacher accountability to a self-policing policy. The second chapter shows the costs of self-imposed, professionally sanctioned teacher isolation, as contrasted with the benefits of collaboration, including increased professional development opportunities, improved student cooperation, and a more collegial learning environment. The third chapter surveys current collaborative practices in such areas as school improvement, professional development, teacher evaluation, and school decision-making. Chapter 4 shows that developing new practices is itself a collaborative process involving all school professionals. Strategies are suggested for principals desiring to encourage collaboration and for comprehensive and modest undertakings. Policymakers' promotion of instructional leadership might help principals create a truly professional teaching environment. (84 references) (MLH)
Author: Mary Kooy Publisher: Routledge ISBN: 1136651357 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 295
Book Description
In the continuing global call for educational reforms and change, the contributors in this edited collection address the critical issue of teacher learning from diverse national contexts and perspectives. They define "teacher learning that matters" as it shapes and directs pedagogical practices with the goal of improving student learning. This book weaves together major studies, research findings and theoretical orientations to represent a globalized network of inquiries into the what, how and why of teacher learning that shapes teacher skill and knowledge. Teacher learning matters on an international scale because teachers are the portals through which any initiative for change and reform is realized. Recognizing that a highly skilled teaching force is instrumental to improving student achievement adds import to generating interactive dialogue on teacher learning around the globe.
Author: Areej Shafai Publisher: ISBN: Category : Professional learning communities Languages : en Pages : 126
Book Description
Every nation faces the challenge of the continuous professional development of its teachers and educational administrators through structured in-service workshops and follow-up monitoring of promising teaching practices. The Saudi Arabia educational system in its elementary, middle and secondary schools, both public and private, has organized to assist educators in effectively responding to constantly changing workforce demands in an increasingly diverse and technological world. Classroom teaching practices that involve collaborative learning are an important innovation. Yet collaborative learning approaches can also play an important role in the very process of delivering and following up on professional development workshops. Data for this mixed-methods explanatory study were collected and analyzed in two phases. An initial survey was given to 62 educators and 24 administrators in both public and private elementary, middle and secondary schools, and the results were analyzed using Qualtrics web-based analysis tools. The results of this survey influenced the design of the second phase: structured interviews with three educators and three administrators from both public and private schools. These interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed, and then coded and analyzed with Dedoose web-based qualitative data analysis software. The findings of the quantitative phase focused on four major areas of concern: working in isolation, barriers to participation and collaboration in professional development, encouragement, and educational supervisors' support. As a result, the second research phase, structured qualitative interviews, were centered around four themes: collaborative learning, working in groups, support and encouragement, and the supervision system. Cross-tabulation of the quantitative findings revealed large differences between male and female educators in terms of how often they visited other colleagues' classroom, as well as the time available to engage in collaborative practices, with males observing colleagues more often and usually collaborating in scheduled meetings. Public and private school educators reported distinct patterns of how time was utilized, with private school participants collaborating in scheduled meetings, and public school participants engaging in brief collaborations between classes. Cross-tabulating the results of the qualitative interviews showed that in many identified themes and subthemes teachers differed dramatically from administrators in their perceptions, and that educators with more years of experience differed from participants in the early stages of their careers in the schools of Saudi Arabia.
Author: Rachel Martin
Author: Rachel Martin
Author: Cynthia A. Lassonde
Author: Helene H. Van Natter
Author: Cassandra Erkens
Author: RitaAnna Bell
Author: Amanda Datnow
Author: Donna Joan Murray
Author: Stuart Carl Smith
Author: Mary Kooy
Author: Areej Shafai