Developing collaboration in a learning community

LIB 604 Libraries in the School CurriculumSpring 2011

Leonardo da Vinci

Those who are in love with practice without knowledge are like the sailor who gets into a ship without rudder or compass and who never can be

certain whither he is going. Practice must always be founded on sound theory . . .

Theorizing for collaborationPatricia Montiel-Overall:

Collaboration is a trusting, working relationship

between two or more equal participants involved

in shared thinking, shared planning and shared

creation of integrated instruction.

Toward a Theory of Collaboration for Teachers and Librarians

Models of Collaboration: A. Coordinationfrom Montiel-Overall

“A Theoretical Understanding”

Models of Collaboration:B. Cooperation

from Montiel-Overall, 2005

Models of Collaboration:C. Integrated Instructionfrom Montiel-Overall, 2005

Models of Collaboration:D. Integrated Curriculumfrom Montiel-Overall, 2005

April 15, 2011

A continuum from A through DMontiel-Overall:

In Model A, an individual could carry out major coordinating

responsibilities alone

In Model B: Cooperation, teacher and librarian begin to work

more closely

Model C: Integrated Instruction reflects a deeper level of

involvement

Model D: Integrated Curriculum involves TLC across the

curriculum.

April 15, 2011

“Theory without practice cannot survive and dies as quickly as it lives.”

Leonardo da Vinciquoted in

A Unified Theory of Garbage CollectionSlide 28

April 15, 2011

Collaboration in practiceDoesn’t work with everyone

It has to do with personalities.... I mean, there are

so many factors that come into these things. And to

be under the illusion that you are going to work

with everybody. Well, that would take some kind

of saint. Someone charismatic and charming.

Heather's Virtual Seminar

April 15, 2011

Forging a collaborative cultureA Canadian’s success:

Collaborations Between Teacher-Librarians and Classroom

Teachers School Libraries in Canada, 2005, Vol. 25 Issue 2, p39-45

April 15, 2011

Appealing to teacher needsJoys and pitfalls:

A Teacher-Librarian Finally Understands the Joys and Pitfalls of Collaboration School Libraries in Canada, 2005, Vol. 25 Issue 2, p18-29

April 15, 2011

Essential IngredientsTime, flexibility, administrative support:

1. There must be “real” time for collaborative planning

2. There must be flexible access to the library and teacher-librarian

3. There must be administrative support for a collaborative climate in which all instructional staff members are instructional partners

TAG Team

April 15, 2011

Doug Johnson on Collaboration Recognize what keeps others awake at night.

Recognize your vital areas of expertise.

Look for win/win situations.

Brush up on your interpersonal skills.

Build slowly, but meaningfully. Proactivity and Reflection: Tools to Improve Collaborative

Experiences

April 15, 2011

“Individually, we

are one drop.

Together we are an

ocean.”

(Ryunosuke Satoro)

Quotes