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.
Tabella dei contenuti
List of Figures, Tables, and Exhibits v
Foreword by Janice F. Almasi vii
Preface ix
Acknowledgments xiii
The Authors xv
The Contributors xvii
Part 1 Why Support Collaborative Research? 1
Chapter 1 Improving Teacher Professional Learning 3
Chapter 2 Initiating Educational Improvements 13
Part 2 Building a Professional Learning Community 27
Chapter 3 Understanding the Inquiry Process 29
Chapter 4 Getting Started 39
Chapter 5 Staying Productive 65
Part 3 Collaborating Effectively 75
Chapter 6 Ethical Considerations: Improving Group Dynamics 77
Chapter 7 Leadership Strategies for Collaborative Support Groups 89
Part 4 Model Learning Communities in Action 97
Chapter 8 School-Based and Partnership Communities 99
Chapter 9 Networking and Online Collaborations 119
Chapter 10 A Districtwide Model: The Fairfax County Public Schools Teacher Researcher Network, Contributed by Gail V. Ritchie 129
Epilogue: Supporting and Sustaining Professional Collaboration 145
Appendixes
Appendix A Tools and Templates 149
Stage 1: Getting to Know Invited Members 150
Brainstorming Chart: Whom to Invite to the Group 152
Stage 2: Sharing Perspectives and Talents 154
Tentative Agenda for Meetings 155
Meeting Minutes 156
Roles Signup Sheet 157
Stage 3: Supporting Each Other’s Efforts and Learning 158
Stage 4: Exploring the Possibilities 159
Ongoing Group Evaluation 160
Final Reflections 162
Stage 5: Ongoing Conversations 163
Appendix B Reflection Questions 165
Appendix C Study Group Exercises 169
Appendix D Valuable Resources 171
Appendix E Teacher Research Survey 173
References 177
Index 181
Circa l’autore
Cynthia A. Lassonde, Ph.D., a former elementary teacher, is associate professor of Elementary Education and Reading at the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta. Susan E. Israel, Ph.D., is an independent researcher, writer, and literacy consultant. Lassonde and Israel have written many books and articles on teacher research, teaching and learning, and literacy.