Instruction
Co-Teaching Models
Parallel Teaching
Parallel teaching is when there are two groups learning the same material at the same time but the teachers are using different methods or forms of instruction.
How would we use it?
In instruction, the teachers would separate the students based on readiness, needs, or interests and each teacher would use different strategies for each particular group. The teachers are working towards the same goals, however, the goals are modified in order to meet the needs of the students in each group.
Helpful Hints:
- Establishing benchmarks between the teachers in order to make sure that both groups of students learn the same material during the class period.
- Understand the way the students learn best in order to make effective groups.
Team Teaching
Teachers take turns teaching throughout the class with each contributing an equal amount to the lesson. Both teachers are able to contribute their own knowledge and ideas to the same lesson.
How would we use it?
This would be used in the classroom to allow the teachers to feed off of each other and the content has been well thought out prior to the lesson. This would be a collaboration of multiple teaching styles blended together in order to meet the needs of the entire classroom without having to split it up.
Helpful Hints:
- Make sure that teachers are equal and avoid becoming competitive.
- Create a form of outline to guide the lesson in order to avoid confusion.
Alternative Teaching
A teacher removes or pulls aside a small group of students to give further instructions or more individualized attention.
How would we use it?
This method would be used when one teacher would be addressing the class as a whole, while the other teacher would be focusing on a smaller group within the class. This could be used for students that need further reinforcement as well as for students that fully understand the topic and are ready to move forward. This would require a more individualized understanding of the students prior to the class in order to know when the students need this further instruction.
Helpful Hints:
- Incorporate Formative Assessments throughout the class in order to see what students need extra attention.
- Make an effort to help students understand that it is okay to need this extra reinforcement, while also mixing up the students who meet in the small group.
- Allow the students to tell you when they need extra help or extra reinforcement on the material.