Teacher and Student Collaboration
Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Zach Diamond is joined by Megan Kindred to talk about collaboration at all levels - between students, between adults, and even between students and teachers.
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Collaboration should be authentic, not mandated. Megan argues that teachers forced to collaborate on pre-determined projects often find the experience to be inauthentic and unproductive. "We had those exact same experiences," Megan says, referencing a time when she and a colleague were assigned to create an interdisciplinary unit together. "It was hard, because you would get paired up. And you write an interdisciplinary unit together. And those never seem to turn into anything." In contrast, authentic collaboration arises organically from shared interests or needs, like the time Megan and a Spanish teacher created a unit together because they happened to carpool.
Trust and open communication are essential. Teachers need to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and practices for collaboration to thrive. This openness allows for serendipitous moments where teachers can build on each other's work.
Collaboration benefits both teachers and students. Sharing best practices and fostering a sense of community among teachers can ultimately enrich the learning experience for students through interdisciplinary connections and a more engaged teaching staff.
Megan referenced several resources to support collaboration, including:
Megan’s Gameboard with tasks to promote collaboration
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
In your experience, what are some ways to encourage authentic collaboration among teachers in your school that goes beyond mandated programs or meetings? How can you create a space where teachers feel comfortable sharing their ideas and learning from each other?
Consider a recent example from your teaching experience where collaboration with another educator (either planned or unplanned) benefitted your students. How did this collaboration enhance the learning experience?
Zach Diamond mentions the importance of "fun" and shared ownership in teacher collaboration. How can you incorporate these elements into your collaborative practices? What are some creative ways to make collaboration enjoyable and engaging for teachers?
Our Host
Zach Diamond studied Music History and Theory at Oberlin College and received a Masters of Music in Music Education from Boston University. He taught music for five years in Lima, Peru, and is currently a Middle School music teacher at DC International School, a language-immersion school where he teaches in Spanish. He began implementing the Modern Classrooms Model in the 19-20 School Year and enthusiastically continues his work with the organization as a mentor and podcast producer.
Our Guest: Megan Kindred
If you like what you hear in this episode, share it with a friend or subscribe to get updates when new podcasts are published.