Teaching collaboratively

Ian Tait and Mandy Lynn
Gladstone Cluster

Finding 6.4: Action Learning
Participate in action learning or research where you design, act, observe and reflect.This involves examining data to determine current progress and future planning.

“Mandy and I enjoyed working together and both enthusiastically committed to continue and develop what we had initiated.”

Background
In 2011, I approached a young member of staff (three years in) about working collaboratively across year 5 and year 7. Although she was initially reluctant, Mandy said she’d “give it a go”.

What happened?
We began our collaboration by brainstorming possible concepts that we could explore with our classes and we came up with a short list before deciding on volume. Next, we agreed on some outcomes for each grade and together we planned the lessons. Then, during the lessons we found time to observe each other teach and collected data about shared aspects of the lessons.

After the lessons we reflected on them individually also seeking feedback from the students. Generally they had found it enjoyable, if nothing else. The students also sat pre- and post-tests and overall these showed clear improvement across both grades.

After the units were completed, we collaboratively evaluated what had occurred. Mandy and I enjoyed working together and both enthusiastically committed to continue and develop what we had initiated...