"Just as we know students don’t learn simply because we tell them something, teachers don’t learn simply because we hand them a journal article." ~ Jo Boaler
This is part of my daily challenge as a learning specialist for mathematics and information technology. I can share research, suggestions, and resources, but how much of what I share actually changes practice?
Here is what I have found that does make a difference in their learning for my colleagues:
- I develop strong positive relationships with my colleagues,
- I share timely resources with my colleagues,
- I help them plan units and lessons,
- I work with my colleagues in one on one sessions and offer them support that meets their current needs,
- I share the big picture and my vision with my colleagues (and listen to their vision to make it our vision),
- I visit their classes and give them support (as opposed to enforcing a specific direction) in the context of their classroom practices.
Here’s what I do not do:
- I do not make my colleagues feel stupid, even when I am showing them how to do something for the 5th time,
- I try my best not to preach,
- I don’t keep what I do to fix their technology problems a secret,
- I try not to overwhelm my colleagues with too many changes at once,
- I do not ignore their requests for help.
