What Works Volume 31,
Number 3, February 2004
Ken Haycock
Research About Collaboration
Research Finding:
Collaboration between teachers and teacher-librarian
is a significant factor in improved student achievement.
The research literature identifies specific factors
influencing successful collaboration.
Comment:
Research evidence supporting successful collaboration
between agencies reflects and extends the evidence
supporting successful collaboration in schools, particular
between teacher and teacher-librarian.
There are significant
factors related to:
The Environment–There
is a history of collaboration or cooperation in the school
or district. Those who collaborate
are seen as reliable and competent, as legitimate leaders.
Administrators and opinion leaders, those who control
resources, create a favorable political and social climate
for collaboration.
Faculty/Staff Characteristics–Teachers
and teacher-librarians exhibit mutual respect, understanding
and trust. They
see collaboration in their own self-interest, offsetting
their costs of time and loss of autonomy. The partners
are able to compromise.
Process and Structure–Roles
and responsibilities are clear, and supported by policy
guidelines. Teaching
partners share a stake in both the process and outcome
of collaboration. All levels of school personnel are
involved. Flexibility and adaptability are the norm.
There is an appropriate pace of development of collaboration
without overwhelming the group’s capacity.
Communication–There
is open and frequent formal communication; supported
by more informal personal relationships
and communication.
Purpose–The teaching team has
a shared vision with concrete, attainable goals and objectives
for the curriculum
unit(s). Their purpose is unique; that is, it could not
be accomplished by either partner alone.
Resources–There
is skilled leadership by the teacher-librarian and administrator,
supported by sufficient funds, staff,
materials and time.
Source:
Adapted from: Mattessich, P. W., Murray-Close, M, & Monsey,
B. R. Wilder Research Center. (2001). Collaboration:
What makes it work, 2nd ed. St. Paul, MN: Amherst H.
Wilder Foundation.
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