As someone who advocates for using literature to introduce, reinforce and provide examples for learning, it should come as no surprise that I see value in a faculty book study. I am currently leading two different faculty book studies at two different client schools. One study is exploring teaching techniques, using Teach Like a Champion 3.0 by Doug Lemov. The other book study is focused on addressing behaviors in school using Roadmap to Responsibility The Power of Give ’em Five to Transform Schools by Larry Thompson.
This is the graphic I used to introduce the Roadmap book study. This group of teachers had not participated in a books study together. The graphic sums up my ideas for ways a book study can create a culture of learning in a school. Having a set of share vocabulary allows teachers in a school to discuss teaching techniques, school procedures, and academic/behavioral expectations with the same words and have each teacher understand those words in the same way. A book study can allow for the creation of a collaborative view of instruction at a school. Then using their shared vocabulary, the teachers can have effective discussions on how to grow in an area that they collectively want to study (generally how the book for the study is chosen).
The third objective of a book study is to provide opportunities for teachers to discuss ideas that they can incorporate into their classrooms. When a teacher reflects on his/her classroom instruction and student engagement magical things happen. Ok, not magic. But still wonderful as they discover ways to grow as instructors. When a teacher grows their pedagogy the students benefit. The students have a teacher integrating ideas with the intent of students getting more out of the learning process. This positive effect on students is seen in John Hattie’s research on what affect student achievement (Teachers Make a Difference, What is the research evidence?) Collective Teacher Efficacy is the idea that a group of teachers (a faculty) can have a positive impact on students through their collective efforts according to Hattie (https://visible-learning.org/hattie-ranking-influences-effect-sizes-learning-achievement/). A book study is just the type of collective endeavor that is designed to increase a faculty’s ability to increase student achievement. By discussing teaching, techniques through a book study, a faculty is creating opportunities for student growth.
But how to know which book is “right” for a book study. Well as I mentioned earlier, the key is what the school (teachers and administrators) feel needs to be a focus. I have led a book study focusing on enhancing the writing occurring in elementary classes through small group instruction and conferencing with students. Responsive Classroom’s The Power of our Words, exploring ways teacher talk in the classroom has always been met with enthusiasm. I have done this book study with several different schools and I still get messages about how the book and discussions impacted the overall culture in classrooms. Books Studies I have led on different aspects of differentiation have been very impactful with teachers and their lesson preparations.
Ready for a book study? I have done books studies with whole faculties and with a few interested teachers or even a group of administrators. Virtual or in person. Reach out to discuss a book study by emailing me, swladis@edtechease.com or DM me on Instagram @edtechease.
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