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The term synergy comes from the Greek word synergia συνεργία from synergos, συνεργός, meaning "working together".[1]
Today I enjoyed a privilege that is not afforded to every educator; I was able to collaboratively plan a number of units with some very dedicated and proficient grade level colleagues. OK, I admit that at 6:30 this morning I was not that excited to get out of bed, BUT it was TOTALLY worth it :). I believe that our five minds working together produced a product that is more than five times more powerful that what any of us could have created individually. That's synergy!
Our school and district are very supportive of collaborative practice, but still there are obstacles to overcome. You might be interested to read what Dr. Lawrence Leonard & Dr. Pauline Leonard write about it in The Continuing Trouble With Collaboration: Teachers Talk.
Our school and district are very supportive of collaborative practice, but still there are obstacles to overcome. You might be interested to read what Dr. Lawrence Leonard & Dr. Pauline Leonard write about it in The Continuing Trouble With Collaboration: Teachers Talk.
Have you experienced synergy by engaging in collaboration? How do you overcome hindrances to make collaborative practice a reality?
I enjoyed our collaboration time as well, Terri! Every time I am able to collaborate with a colleague I learn so much and I am able to take my improved practice back to our students hopefully improving their educational experience. Synergy is so important and creates a powerful learning environment. What a team!!!!!
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