Teacher Collaboration for Professional Learning : Facilitating Study, Research, and Inquiry Communities

by Cynthia A. Lassonde (State University of New York (SUNY), Oneonta ); Susan E. Israel; Foreword by: Janice F. Almasi

• ISBN13: 9780470553961
• ISBN10: 0470553960
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-11-01
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

List of Figures, Tables, and Exhibits

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

The Authors

The Contributors

Why Support Collaborative Research?

Improving Teacher Professional Learning

Initiating Educational Improvements

Building a Professional Learning Community

Understanding the Inquiry Process

Getting Started

Staying Productive

Collaborating Effectively

Ethical Considerations: Improving Group Dynamics

Leadership Strategies for Collaborative Support Groups

Model Learning Communities in Action

School-Based and Partnership Communities

Networking and Online Collaborations

A Districtwide Model: The Fairfax County Public Schools Teacher Researcher Network, Contributed

Epilogue: Supporting and Sustaining Professional Collaboration

Appendixes

Tools and Templates

Stage 1: Getting to Know Invited Members

Brainstorming Chart: Whom to Invite to the Group

Stage 2: Sharing Perspectives and Talents

Tentative Agenda for Meetings

Meeting Minutes

Roles Signup Sheet

Stage 3: Supporting Each Other's Efforts and Learning

Stage 4: Exploring the Possibilities

Ongoing Group Evaluation

Final Reflections

Stage 5: Ongoing Conversations

Reflection Questions

Study Group Exercises

Valuable Resources

Teacher Research Survey

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.