Forum 1 - Seven Step Problem Solving

Primary - Relief from face-to-face teaching for classroom teachers is often covered by the teacher librarian. This means that it is difficult to plan any collaborative teaching opportunities with the teachers. You are also concerned that the student learning in the library may not be contextually relevant to the learning in the classroom. How could you approach this problem?

 

1.Definition – What is the real problem
 
·         Teachers and principal sometimes view TL role as a service provider (of resources  and  release time) with little or no regard for collaborative practices which include contextual relevance. In other words providing the service but being treated as the servant.

2. Data collection- What is going on? Evidence

·         Teachers not initiating or embracing collaboration due to views of TL role, time constraints, timetabling and no prior culture of collaboration.
·         Teachers wanting full control of teaching programs.
·         Personality traits of teachers possibly affect collaboration.

3.Cause Analysis- Why is this happening?

·         Teachers are misinformed about TL role.
·         This view is reinforced or imparted from the top down.
·         TL role has slowly been eroded and undervalued in years past.

4. Solution Planning and implementation-

·         Communicating clearly and gradually redefining  the role of TL as curriculum leader, collaborator and innovator.
·         Discussing these issues with the principal and leadership team and suggest  organising the  timetable or finding sessions to allow time for collaboration. eg staff development  days or training and development afternoons.
·         Improve communication and collaborations with teachers via email or blogging activities.
·         Take on roles which promote the TL in a leadership and collaborative role such as Student Representative Council and leading training sessions for staff.
·         Find out how other TL’s successfully collaborate in other schools and trial these ideas.

5. Evaluation- Revisit

• Did the trial succeed?
• Obtain feedback regarding whether collaboration increased or improved . Look at student work produced to see if evidence of improved experiences /skills etc.

 6. Standardisation

• Is there a heightened expectation of collaboration occurring that can be built upon in the future?
• Can other school’s successful  collaborative practices be implemented?

7. Evaluation of the process -  What did we learn?

• Look at the positives and negatives. What worked well? What didn’t.
• Feedback from students and teachers.