Collaborating for Integrative Teaching and Learning

In the past, teachers have worked alone and there was little or no collaboration. One of the best things we can do as educators is share and collaborate….learn from each other. Collaborating starts with an idea or question. Sharing (that idea or question) leads to curriculum connections which promote meaningful and authentic student projects, learning, communities, and better instruction. True collaboration is demonstrated only on the teams where all members feel their contributions are valued and the goal is clear, where they share decision making, and where they sense they are respected. Through collaboration, ideas can be shared, new and better strategies can be developed, and problems can be solved. Great teams not only accomplish their mission effectively, but connect people and provide insights on new tools and practices.
Effective Collaboration:
1. Teachers who collaborate must believe that all individuals’ contributions are valued equally.
2. Collaboration requires a shared goal or purpose.
3. Collaboration includes shared responsibility for key decisions. Teachers divide work and share decision making about the activities they are undertaking.
4. Collaboration includes shared accountability for outcomes. If teachers share key decisions, they must also share accountability for the results of the decisions.
5. Collaboration is based on shared resources. Each teacher in a collaborative effort should make an effort to contribute some type of resource.
6. Allows for reflecting on your personal belief system: How much do you value sharing ideas? Examine your belief system to see if you have tolerance toward changing your standards in your classroom
Collaboration Types:
1. Face to Face/Planning
2. Blogs and Wikis
3. Skype
5. Chats/Discussions
6. Twitter
7. PLNs (Ning)
8. Book Study Groups
9. Message Boards