The Benefits of True Collaborative Practice ~ How 1+1 can = 3 or Even More

So how might one distinguish between true collaborative practice and ‘working together’, and what might be the benefits of the first over the latter?

Dr. Covey’s Habit #6, Synergize, of the “7 Habits for Highly Effective People”, emphasizes the fact that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  One plus one can equal three or more when people with different perspectives come together to utilize their diversity to create a third alternative that ultimately is far and wide better than an idea created from just one perspective.  One plus one could actually equal “immeasurable”, as is evidenced by the collaboration of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

David Kelley, founder and chairman of the design company, IDEO, in Palo Alto, CA, believes in the power of “wild ideas” to promote successful design, along with an eclectic team of ‘designers’ who work from all different angles of a design project.

The legacy of the profession for a classroom teacher is one of working primarily in isolation.  For decades, teachers (and principals) have been planning and designing learning alone during their designated prep times.  Today’s students require learning that has been designed by ‘an eclectic team’ fueled by ‘wild ideas’ in a culture where true synergy is at work and collaboration is the only way business is conducted.  In other words, an example might be interdisciplinary units that emphasize creativity and innovation whereby students collaboratively construct a project or solution.

Moving from ‘working together’ to working with a collaborative approach requires vulnerability and the willingness to relinquish control.  These are difficult concepts for most people, but especially educators who have for years designed and delivered teaching behind a closed door, with just their students as participants.  How do we as a profession move toward a collaborative culture for designing learning in all schools so that all students benefit from more ideas, better designs, and innovative learning?

Perhaps we begin by modeling that very idea.  As leaders, we need to conscientiously build collaborative practice, honor the value in diverse perspectives, embrace the wild ideas (yes, get out of the box!), and stop expecting perfection.  Learning should be messy.  Designing learning should be messy too.  It has great benefits.