Case
Teacher Leaders

As a teacher leader, how would you convince other teachers, specifically in middle grade mathematics, to adapt their teaching strategies to incorporate more small group instruction and collaborative work? You have tried doing professional development through curriculum meetings but still notice that teachers are not implementing these best practices in their classrooms. So far, administration has not provided much support in enforcing change. What else could you try?

Posted on: 03/10/15 | Views: 976
Solution #1
I think the teachers must see value in small group instruction and collaborative work strategies. If they haven't found the value in these strategies through professional development, it might be beneficial for them to see other teachers in action that use them. Then having a discussion on the pros and cons regarding the use of the methods. Having this discussions will provide you insight for why they aren't using them. Is it because they think it will take too much planning time to make the methods effective? Or is it because they think what they are doing is better? Simply having the conversation might allow you to determine which direction to take and what the next steps are.
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Solution #2
For a long time I wasn't sure how this worked in a math classroom because the only demonstrations that were done were ELA or SS. I think when teachers have content specific ideas it is very helpful. I'm not sure if this is what you were talking about in the professional development but giving teachers concrete examples is extremely helpful. For example, students can complete a ticket out the door one day over a concept they will be practicing the following. The teacher can quickly "grade" it and sort them according to their responses. Students who got them all correct should be grouped together and they will need very little if any assistance on the following day's activity. Then teachers can focus their attention on the remaining students (who are grouped together based on their responses also) to provide scaffolding and remediation as necessary.
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Solution #3
Show evidence and examples of how well this stategy works in the classroom! This strategy works so well for English learners, so try going into depth with this. It helps them grasp and understand the language so much more when they can communicate with their peers in the classroom.
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Solution #4
Go talk to the principal about it
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Solution #5
I think showing statistics in a meeting and maybe even a teacher video of the effects of working in small group would show that it needs to be implemented in the classroom.
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Solution #6
I think collaborative learning is the key to success. Differentiation is essential in order for our students to learn successfully. When students work together with students at their own learning level, they are more likely to feel confident in their learning. I am thankful to have a co-taught class where I am able to do this.
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