by Sarah Logan, SPS Professional Learning Specialist
Standard 9: Utilizing Effective Communication
Quality Indicator #3: Cooperative partnerships in support of student learning
We’ve all heard the expression that “Many hands make light work,” but in reality, our experience is more likely to have been “Many hands made more work.” Even when people have the best of intentions for working together toward a common goal, what’s intended to be a collaborative effort may morph into a collaborative gathering. So much conversation happens that no significant action comes as a result.
So how can this be avoided? Once you’ve determined that there’s a need to work together, don’t overlook the importance of determining HOW your group will work together. Having an agreed upon set of norms sets the stage for meaningful and productive teamwork.
The Seven Norms of Collaboration are not a brand new invention. They were developed by Adaptive Schools and are widely known and used by educators who aspire to support student learning through their work together. As you join with colleagues for this purpose, consider how they could positively impact your efforts.
- Promoting a spirit of
inquiry: Hold yourself
accountable for being curious about the thinking and ideas of others before you
advocate your own.
-
Pausing: Give yourself time to think before
speaking and to allow others to respond.
-
Paraphrasing: Demonstrate that you want to understand
what others are saying and that you are genuinely listening.
-
Probing for specificity: Generate and ask questions that will
help provide clarity about topics being discussed.
-
Putting ideas on the
table: Contribute ideas
for the group to consider.
-
Paying attention to self
and others: Be aware of
your own and others’ non-verbal cues to how people are feeling.
-
Presuming positive
intentions: Choose to
believe that people are operating from honorable motivations.
