Standards+Question+12


 * Read the Case Study regarding Collaboration on page 27 of the NSDC Standards text handed out in class. In your PLC discuss Discussion Questions 1-4. Have a record keeper in your group synthesize your group's responses to these questions. If your group needed more information, describe what you need to know and how you would go about discovering this information.**

1. Consider your past experiences with various groups. What were the characteristics of productive and non-productive groups? The characteristics of productive groups are common clear focus, group norms to create a positive environment, common goals, an agenda to follow, shared want to be there, and an overall desire to collaborate. The characteristics of non-productive groups are off-topic discussions, unwilling to participate, animosity towards meetings, personality conflicts, and argumentative participants.

2. What knowledge, skills, and attitudes need to be developed to facilitate a collaborative work culture? They are communication skills, understanding towards other, interpersonal support, creative skills to solve complex problems, common goals, and a drive to work together.

3. What kind of outcomes are best achieved through collaboration? The outcomes best achieved through collaboration are reaching consensus on long term goals and strategies, finding solutions to problems in teaching, and supporting one another.

4. How do school and/or district groups currently deal with conflict? What conditions or behaviors are necessary to facilitate the productive resolution of conflict? At this time in my school/district, conflict is not addressed. We sweep it under the rug and pretend it does not exist. However, open lines of communication need to be created and everyone needs to understand that it is alright to disagree. Not everyone will agree, but if everyone acknowledges the differences, then conflict could lessen and more time could be spent on productive activities.