wfs- whole faculty study groups
- 2. WHOLE-FACULTY STUDY GROUPS “The Whole-Faculty Study Group system is a job- embedded, self-directed, student-driven approach to professional development designed to build communities of learners in which professionals continuously strive to increase student learning”. (Murphy and Lick, 2005)
- 3. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF WHOLE- FACULTY STUDY GROUPS Students are first Everybody participates Leadership is shared Responsibility is equal The work is public
- 4. FUNCTIONS OF WHOLE-FACULTY STUDY GROUPS To support the implementation of curricular and instructional innovations To integrate and give coherence to the school’s instructional strategies and programs To target a school wide need To study the research and latest developments on teaching and learning To monitor impact of innovations on students and changes in the workplace
- 5. PROCESS GUIDELINES FOR WHOLE-FACULTY STUDY GROUPS Keep the size of the study groups to no more than six Establish a regular schedule Establish group norms at the first meeting of the study group Establish a pattern of rotating group leadership Complete a Study Group Log after each study group meeting that is shared with the whole faculty Encourage members to keep an Individual Reflection Log that is for their own personal and private reflection Make a comprehensive list of learning resources, both material and human Include training in the study group’s agenda
- 6. ROLE OF THE PRINCIPAL IN WHOLE-FACULTY STUDY GROUPS Being involved in the WFSG process Keeping study groups focused Using the decision-making cycle Sharing the work Using data Supporting core practices Dealing with reluctant teachers Celebrating work and success