Building a culture of collaboration : supporting teachers on their journeys of change
Date
1996
Authors
Robertson, Kerry Elizabeth
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Abstract
Through a narrative research model, this thesis explores my story as I moved from resisting change to the realization that my classroom practice needed to more accurately reflect the Principles of Learning described in the British Columbia Ministry of Education's Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education Plan.
These principles--that people must be actively engaged in their learning, that people learn in different ways and at different rates, and that learning is both an individual and group process, apply equally to student and teacher learners. The research base for supporting these changes is woven into the story, and emphasizes the importance of building on teachers' professional knowledge through collaboration with colleagues, universities, school districts and the Ministry of Education.
The recommendations of this thesis centre on the individual's responsibility to continually reflect on, and improve, his or her classroom practices, supported by the institutions involved in teacher training, schools, districts and the Ministry of Education. This sharing of professional development responsibilities by individuals, and the organizations involved in education, is central to improving the system. Professional development activities must themselves model the Principles of Learning, and recognize the importance of these principles in supporting the teachers as lifelong learners.