It is important for teachers to establish positive relationships with their colleages and this can be done through collaborative efforts.
Collaboration
Teaching collaboratiion occurs when a professional learning community works together on a common goal of increasing the achievement of their students.
When teachers collaborate they are building interpersonal relationships and they are comfortable giving and recieving the help of their colleagues. When teams of teachers are willing to come together and share information, resources, ideas, and strategies, learning can become easier and more effective for their students.
Benefits of Collaboration
Teachers have a better understanding of student data from summative and formative assessments
Teachers working together can create ways to challenge their students in order for them to reach the desired competency levels
Teachers are able to develop more creative lesson plans by learning about the instructional approaches of their colleagues
Teacher morale also improves and encourages teacher interaction
The objective of collaboration is to build relationships. Taking the time to get to know your colleagues and relate on a personal level can help develop a greater sense of mutual respect and trust amongst teachers. Like any relationship, collaborative teams take time to develop and over time increase in productivity and strength.
Interpersonal Problem Solving
When teachers collaborate, there could be conflicts that arise. If teachers implement interpersonal problem solving skills, these conflicts can be handled. First the problem must be identified and possible solutions must be developed. A decision on which solution is best should be made and implemented and its effectiveness should be determined.
