In this chapter we read about how our social nature impacts learning, and what social factors can either support or hinder learning. One topic that particularly stood out to me was the concept of group work. Zadina speaks to both the advantages and disadvantages of group work. While group work can be helpful for students to learn from one another and synthesize ideas, it is not the ideal strategy in all situations with all students. Group work shouldn't be assigned for the sake of collaboration or conversation, but instead must be planned strategically with a high level of specificity. Additionally, individuals differ in the amount of interaction they crave, and although some will get energy from working with each other, others need independence in order to feel rejuvenated.
In my current job there are times when I provide professional development for K-2 teachers in our network. Usually this takes place in a large group, and in a large cafeteria. I try to structure my sessions so that teachers are working together, being interactive and engaging with one another throughout the session. However, after reading this chapter I started to think how I could restructure my session.
During our last PD day, teachers were planning units based on their student data. Before the session I asked each school leader to assign what subject (or multiple subjects) that each teacher needed to plan for. I created a google doc with the assignments and shared this with all session participants, and instead of asking them to work together I gave them the option of either working together or working independently.
I think this model worked well and I received positive feedback from teachers at the end of the session. Part of the success was that each teacher had a clear end goal, or product, that they needed to complete, but they could choose their own path of how to get there. I do think there are times when group discussion is needed in a PD session, but after my recent experience I will definitely continue to integrate the choice of working collaboratively or independently when possible.
Maya, I like the idea of letting teachers work alone. It can be so hard to "teach" adults, especially because all the things we know about teaching kids flies out the window. PD for teachers is often lecture based and relies a lot on ppt. I remember sitting in a college class in which the professor was lecturing us about how we shouldn't lecture kids. ha ha. Giving them the option to work together was a great idea
ReplyDeleteMaya, I like the idea of letting teachers work alone. It can be so hard to "teach" adults, especially because all the things we know about teaching kids flies out the window. PD for teachers is often lecture based and relies a lot on ppt. I remember sitting in a college class in which the professor was lecturing us about how we shouldn't lecture kids. ha ha. Giving them the option to work together was a great idea
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