Authors: Tom Frasier, Holly Ishman, Rosemary Holmes-Gull, Krista Johnson, Kim Sicurella, and Karyn Steffensen
Summary: This resource includes full descriptions of two protocols that are structured to foster democratic dialogue within groups. Useful in planning for group discussions, particularly those that might become dominated by a few participants, these protocols allow the facilitator to work with the group in a equitable and fair manner that will allow all voices an opportunity to be heard.
Original Date of Publication: March 2008
Excerpt
Teacher-consultants who have developed a reputation among their colleagues as knowledgeable resources and as supportive to their fellow teachers are selected to become group leaders (of either a study group or a writing studio) at their own schools. In the spirit of collegiality and professionalism, they invite novice and veteran teachers to join them at monthly sessions to explore issues of interest.
Both types of group are grounded in inquiry. Study groups see themselves as professional discursive communities that use a variety of strategies to solve problems. Professional texts are often used to begin substantive conversations and to surface issues for further inquiry. Writing studios come together with the goal of reinvigorating the writing life of teachers and utilize writing as a tool to explore and inquire into the teaching of writing. Both groups make extensive use of protocols for structured conversation.
To support the work of both groups, teacher-consultants leading them undergo a rigorous week of Critical Friends Group Coaches Training during the summer in order to ensure that their work is structured, effective, and relevant to the lives of their individual schools. Additionally, throughout the year, all of the teacher-consultant leaders come together on a monthly basis to examine, document, and tune their on-site work.
Related Resources
- The National Writing Project’s New Teacher Initiative: A Study of Outcomes, Designs, and Core Values
- Sustaining Work with New Teachers
- National School Reform Faculty: Learning Communities Protocols and Activities
Original Source: National Writing Project, “Sustaining Work with New Teachers at Four Sites”