Collaborating with others in a variety of ways provides opportunities for diversity in

perspective, backgrounds and thinking to work collaboratively together to generate innovative

and unique solutions (Loreman, Deppeler & Harvey, 2011). Over my time as a Practicum
student I have learnt to value and seek out the advice and advice given by others. There are
many ways in which teachers collaborate and engage with others within the wider community
and school to improve and develop their practice (Mc Burney-Fry, 2005).

The learning environment in my third year practicum was within an agile learning space, and for
planning lessons I had to plan with this room layout at the forefront of my mind. It was a great
experience as it taught me that teaching is never in isolation and that teamwork is important,
as I utilised the guidance from my practicum teacher to achieve the outcomes I had set out. As
teachers identifying the feedback from other teachers as a significate source of professional
learning (EDFD, Booker of Readings, 2017). As shown in the image to the below, my practicum
teacher notes that I listen and take on board feedback and guidance.

Whilst working in collaborative group work through University, I am constantly seeking advice
and consolation in a variety of forms with other more experienced members of my cohort and
teaching community. Research indicators that teaching is enhanced through building the
collective understanding of what works best in improving students learning outcomes (EDFD,
Booker of Readings, 2017). As a Tutor it is imperative for my exercises compliment the content
being taught within the student/s classroom, as well as addressing specific focus areas.
Therefore I regularly have informal meetings with the classroom teachers. Within these meetings
the effectiveness of the various means of support given to students is reviewed and new
approaches and strategies are suggested, which I take note of and try during my next sessions.
Other means of obtaining constructive feedback is in assessments, observations, professional
dialogue and advice that is given to others have handed me overcome difficulties faced when
working with specific learner needs when tutoring.

I strongly believe that to achieve and maintain a cooperative and collaborative community inside
school environments, all staff need to work collaboratively as a team, by showing respect, valuing
each members and listening to others knowledge and experiences (Woolfolk and Margetts,
2010; Mc Burney-Fry, 2005). I aim to continue to seek out constructive feedback from students
and teachers to ensure I am developing and challenging my approaches and teaching strategies
to achieve high support, high quality education for all my future students.

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