Week 4

Collaboration Theory into Practice

 Abilock, D. (Ed.). (2002). Ten Attributes of Collaborative Leaders. Knowledge Quest, 21(2), November/December, 8-10.

“You will be able to involve teachers in information literacy when you learn to inspire them with a vision of what students might achieve when teachers and librarians collaborate.” (Abilock, 2002, p.8)

Collaboration is more than working together to generate great lesson plans; it is becoming a team.  This article illuminated ten ways to collaborate as a team in order to increase access to knowledge to all students.  Abilock points out that there are specific behaviors that librarians should engage in to ease the pressure on teachers and to improve curriculum. 

There are several ideas that resonated with me in this article particularly because I currently work in a highly effective collaborative team.  The article called out the way my colleague and I function and gave what we do a particular heading and a summary of how the collaboration occurs.  The twist however was that the article was written for librarians which will help me as I move from the role of classroom teacher to that of librarian.

The first point that stands out in this article is in point tip number two, “live what you value each day” (p.8) Abilock presents the idea that students will do as they see the adults in their lives do.  I have found this to be true.  This week as I sat with students to set semester two goals, I showed them annotation on my assignments for grad school.  Then I noticed that some of them who had reading comprehension goals were grabbing sticky-notes to make their own annotations.  A librarian that reads a lot is able to recommend texts will propel students not just towards the material but also into a love of finding the materials.  A second adult in the classroom expands the opportunity for students to see role models who love learning and learn the techniques the adults use to engage in learning.  

Next the article goes on to remind us to listen, use “we” and mediated language, seek understanding of the problem and as a partner gently promote improvement.  As the school librarian, I will have the advantage of working with all of the teachers in the school.  Therefore, I will be able expand my knowledge of teaching techniques.  As the partner in the library, I will then be able to help students of diverse backgrounds and needs when the classroom teacher needs to focus on whole class instruction or has difficulty working with an exceptionally difficult student. 

Finally, the article ends with a reminder to value the gift of collaboration.  She stresses the importance of, “celebrating moments of genuine victory” (p.10).  Beyond the celebration the connection to a coworker is essential for teachers to feel good about what they are doing and a preventative measure against teacher burnout and is the spark of inspiration for continual improvement.