Space always comes up as a barrier to co-teaching. Using co-teaching structures requires teachers to consider the classroom environment and make decisions prior to implementing the structures. If you try to co-teach without planning for the room arrangement it can become frustrating. We recommend sketching out your room and making a plan.
Consider Factors Affecting Environmental Decisions:
- Number of students in class
- Size and shape of classroom
- Type of furniture
- Voice volume of teachers
- Individual student characteristics
- Number of class periods teachers co-teach
- Arrange at least two teaching stations (whiteboard, table or desks, materials)
Determine Areas For:
- Large group instruction (team teaching)
- Two medium groups (parallel or 2-stations)
- Three small groups (station, alternative)
- Cooperative groups of four students
Pre-establish Student Groups (for 1 grading period):
- 3 heterogeneous groups (e.g. shapes)
- 2 heterogeneous groups (e.g. A, B or odd-even)
- Collaborative groups of 4 students (e.g. teams)
Flexible Groups Based on Assessment:
- Readiness/Skill groups (based on pre-test)
- Interest groups
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