Collaborative Teaching for Collaborative Learning

"Collaborative action research involves professionals who have in common the interest and disposition to work in groups to investigate solutions to problems that affect them. The vital role of researchers is to be part of the change process started by teachers and to lead a scientific approach focused on understanding how to improve teachers’ practice" (DeOliviera Souza 2015).

http://boardvoice.ca/public/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Web-Collaboration.jpg

        Throughout my studies here at Brock University, I have learned a multitude of new concepts and theories that I will no doubt bring to my own classrooms. However, for my final blog post for the semester, I have decided to move away from theories, and onto the specific ideals that I wish to include when I am brought into the schools and classrooms. I think that, as students learning to be teachers, we all have specific ideals and theories that we constantly tell ourselves we will bring into our classrooms. I generally believe in all of these theories, however, I don't think that any of these teaching theories will work if the environment in the schools is one filled with negativity. I think that it is important as future teachers to think about not only how we will teach students and become educators, but also how we will be effective staff members, assisting our fellow teachers in need.

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         Wallin (2014) discusses the prior teaching practices, and challenges these ideals: "In the past, teaching was often largely an isolated job. Teachers worked most of the time with students, and did not have much interaction with other adults. This was true not only of new teachers, who may have felt that they are left to "sink or swim" on their own, but also of experienced teachers. With the increasing development of collaborative professional development, team teaching, interdisciplinary inquiry learning projects, and teamed support for diverse learners, much of the isolation in teaching is being dispelled". As Wallin says, collaborative teaching will stem to change the idea of education from one that is very closed door, to one that is open and inviting; not only for teachers together, but also for the students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85HUMHBXJf4

         Collaborative teaching is something that I find to be very important. It is essential for student's learning and a positive school environment for teachers to be informed and comfortable with each other. The video above shows two teachers working together in order to teach one cohesive classroom. Although sometimes this type of teaching is not available, I still believe that it is important for teachers to be upfront and honest with each other about their methods. As said in the video, many teachers just close their doors in their individual classrooms, creating a 'competition' between other teachers as to who can teach their students the best. Instead of this method, I believe that teachers should be supportive of each other, and open about what certain teaching practices will work, especially when compared with others. I find that this method will be most helpful for new teachers, as their experienced counterparts will be able to guide them through tough situations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S02D9QzDe4s&index=3&list=PLJtw61qZ4J7vWkGjhJOER4Iyr00tddrmU

        This video from "Remember the Titans" is the perfect example of teamwork, and the greatness that can come of people working together. I believe that the same type of collaboration and greatness can happen in schools if teachers collaborate in order to ensure that students get the best type of education possible. 

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        Through teachers putting their own biases and possible 'competitions' aside, it will benefit the students in the best way possible. This is something that I strongly believe in, and I will strive to ensure that I will be this type of teacher in my schools. It is important for teachers to not only think of themselves as teachers, but also team members and co-workers. Everyone has something new and different to bring to the table, and you never know how much your knowledge may benefit someone in need. 

References

De Oliveira Souza, L., Lopes, C.C., & Pfannkuch, M. M. (2015). Collaborative Professional Development For Statistics Teaching: A Case Study of Two Middle-School Mathematics Teachers. Statistic Education Resarch Journal, 14 (1). 112-134.

Young, L., Levin, B., & Wallin, D. (2014). Understanding Canadian schools: An Introduction to Educational Administration (5th ed.). Available at http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~wallind/understandingcanadianschools5.html.