TEACHER STUDY GROUPS

Heather Ward

What is the purpose of a teacher study groups?

Teacher study groups are a form of collaborative professional development where teachers are put in charge of their own learning.

Teacher study groups nurture teacher learning in order to support school improvement initiatives.

What is the Principal’s Role in Teacher Study Groups? Principal

participation can be viewed as positive if the principal is an equal member of the group.

Can discuss and share which can give a sense of importance to the group.

Principal participation can be viewed as negative if principal is pushing his own agenda.

Can influence how much teachers are willing to share.

Benefits of Teacher Study Groups Group members learn together Can be formal or informal Support teacher learning Can be site based Can be based on any number of topics Promotes professional conversations Promotes peer interaction Gives a sense of belonging to a

community

What Can Teachers Learn in a Study Group? Learn from other teachers’ experiences Learn about different instructional

strategies How to solve issues with particular

students How to improve their classroom

management How to improve their practices

How are Teacher Study Groups Arranged? Around a particular topic By reading and discussing a book By examining the latest research

What do I Need to Get Started?

An established focus Teachers who are willing to lead Materials Scheduled meeting times twice a month Sign up sheet

What to Expect in the Meetings:

Brainstorming that leads to a specific topic Generating big questions that the group

hopes to explore Extended discussions on the determined

focus Sharing of ideas, experiences, and

findings Finally, reflections on the process and

content

Conclusion

Teacher study groups offer teachers an opportunity to confer and learn new strategies from fellow teachers, principals and administrators.

Teacher study groups promote professional conversation, collegiality, and learning that affects teachers and learners.