Collaboration
is difficult
Collaborating
on assignments increased my stress levels, it made me feel ill at ease and it
caused me some anxiety. This experience opened
my eyes. My learners work in teams,
groups or situations in which, upon self-reflection, I identify that they have
little or no control over.
Taking
a step back, it becomes evident that my learners need more scaffolding into
successful collaboration and in understanding that the “group--whether it be
the whole class or a learning group within the class--can accomplish meaningful
learning and solve problems better than any individual can alone” (Tinzmann,
Jones, Bakker, Fine, & Pierce, 1990, p.1).
To
collaborate successfully students need to be active participators and
collaborators there needs to be a greater level of buy in.
Co Construction
The outcome from in class discussions and DCL 1
feedback was that I/we needed to co construct our learning. Student voice and student led learning was
absent from my room.
“Collaborative
teachers differ in that they invite students to set specific goals within the
framework of what is being taught, provide options for activities and
assignments that capture different student interests and goals, and encourage
students to assess what they learn. Collaborative teachers encourage students'
use of their own knowledge, ensure that students share their knowledge and
their learning strategies, treat each other respectfully, and focus on high
levels of understanding”. (Tinzmann, Jones, Bakker, Fine, & Pierce, 1990, p.3).
This has
been a major change in my practice.
Collegial
Discussion
It is easy
to be isolated in a single cell classroom.
There are rare opportunities to engage in professional learning
communities. Mind Lab has given me food
for thought and likeminded people who are purposefully seeking to improve the
landscape of learning for everyone.
In my
practice, I have a learning circle that gives me a sounding board for my ideas
and thoughts. My personal learning
network is made up of educators on many different paths. I am able to learn from a diversity of people
in a positive and constructive way. My
learning has gained more ubiquity as I am able to gain understanding from many
sources.
References
Clifford, M. (Jan 2013). 20 tips
for creating a professional learning network. Retrieved from
Tinzmann, M.B., Jones, B.F., Fennimore, T.F., Bakker, J. Fine, C.,
& Pierce, J. (1990). What Is the
Collaborative Classroom? NCREL, Oak Brook.
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