Last updated on Jul 18, 2024

You're faced with a clash in teaching approaches. How do you find common ground with your colleague?

In the dynamic world of education, you may occasionally find yourself at odds with a colleague over teaching approaches. This can be a challenging situation, but it's important to remember that both of you share the same ultimate goal: to facilitate the best possible learning experience for your students. Finding common ground requires patience, open-mindedness, and a willingness to compromise. By focusing on student needs, respecting each other's perspectives, and engaging in constructive dialogue, you can bridge the gap between differing pedagogical styles and work collaboratively towards enhancing educational outcomes.

1 Understanding Views

When facing a clash in teaching methods, your first step is to understand your colleague's perspective. Listen actively to their reasoning and the outcomes they aim to achieve. Remember that their experiences and background may lead them to favor certain approaches. This understanding is crucial as it lays the groundwork for empathy and respect. Recognize the value in their methods and consider how their strategies might complement your own. Through this process, you can identify areas of potential synergy instead of focusing solely on the differences.

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Julieta López Olalde

Directora de relaciones públicas en DJI ARS México | Creación de proyectos de comunicación
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Desde mi punto de vista, el primer paso que debe darse es observar las clases que imparte el colega con quien se tiene la diferencia. Una opción es observar los videos o asistir a una clase, aunque en este caso, es importante un acuerdo para que cada docente dé una clase auténtica y no prepare una exhibición. En cualquier caso, resulta fundamental que haya un acuerdo para que las observaciones permitan el aprendizaje y no sean oportunidades para la crítica no constructiva. es importante que los docentes que trabajan cerca, aprendan no sólo a respetarse, sino también apoyarse y a sentir admiración mutua.

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2 Open Dialogue

Engage in an open and respectful dialogue with your colleague. This means expressing your own views clearly but also being receptive to theirs. Avoid becoming defensive; instead, focus on the shared objective of student success. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches without dismissing the other's viewpoint. By maintaining a positive communication channel, you're more likely to find a compromise that incorporates the best elements of each teaching style.

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Julieta López Olalde

Directora de relaciones públicas en DJI ARS México | Creación de proyectos de comunicación
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Una estrategia para conseguir un diálogo productivo, es que cada persona pregunte sobre lo que observó en la clase de su colega. De esta manera, cada persona explica su propia postura sin entrar en discusiones tempranas. Ese ritmo conversacional favorece que haya un mayor entendimiento.

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3 Student Focus

Shift the conversation to revolve around the needs and preferences of your students. After all, they are the ones directly impacted by teaching methods. Consider their learning styles, feedback, and performance data to guide your discussion. This student-centered approach can help you and your colleague prioritize strategies that have the most significant positive impact on student engagement and learning outcomes.

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Vivekananth Padmanabhan

Academic| Soft Skills Trainer|Career Analyst|Content Writer|Learning Skills Trainer|Teacher Training Facilitator|Productivity Coach|Personality Analyst|Voice Trainer|Life Coach|Content Writing Trainer|Fitness Trainer
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When facing clashes in teaching approaches, prioritizing student focus is key. By shifting the conversation to revolve around the needs and preferences of students, educators can find common ground with their colleagues. Considering learning styles, feedback, and performance data helps guide the discussion towards strategies that have a positive impact on student engagement and learning outcomes. By keeping students at the center, collaboration and compromise can lead to enhanced educational experiences.

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4 Compromise Creation

Once you have a clear understanding of each other's methods and a shared focus on student needs, work together to create a compromise. This might involve blending aspects of both approaches or alternating between them. The key is to agree on a strategy that respects both viewpoints while remaining flexible and adaptable. Remember, the willingness to give and take is essential for successful collaboration in education.

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5 Joint Experimentation

After reaching a compromise, put your collaborative approach into practice through joint experimentation. Implement the agreed-upon methods in your respective classrooms and monitor the results. Be open to making adjustments based on what works and what doesn't. This phase is about trial and error, learning from each other, and refining your teaching practices. It's an opportunity to grow professionally and enhance the educational experience for your students.

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Satish Kushwaha

Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe : )
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If our teaching styles don't match, I'd talk to my colleague openly and honestly. We'd try to understand each other's ideas. Maybe we can learn from each other! We'd focus on what's best for the students and find ways to work together. It's about respecting each other's opinions and finding a middle ground.

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6 Reflective Practice

Finally, engage in reflective practice together. After experimenting with the new teaching approach, take time to discuss what has been effective and what could be improved. Reflect on how the experience has impacted your teaching philosophy and relationship with your colleague. Use this reflection as a stepping stone for future collaboration and continued professional development. By embracing reflection, you demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and the betterment of your teaching practice.

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You're faced with a clash in teaching approaches. How do you find common ground with your colleague?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understanding Views

2 Open Dialogue

3 Student Focus

4 Compromise Creation

5 Joint Experimentation

6 Reflective Practice

Teaching

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You're faced with a clash in teaching approaches. How do you find common ground with your colleague?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understanding Views

2 Open Dialogue

3 Student Focus

4 Compromise Creation

5 Joint Experimentation

6 Reflective Practice

Teaching

Rate this article

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