1. 1. Book Study Groups TEACHER LEADER II IMPROVING SCHOOL PERFORMANCE Why Should I Start or Join a Book Study Group?. Presented by Monaporn Kuanliang Dr. Bista Spring 2015
2. 2. The purpose is to bring people together to collaborate using the newest research as a springboard for teachers to benefit and improve the teaching of writing.
3. 3. What is a Book Study Group? Book Study Groups are formed to open up opportunities for books to be read and discussed by teachers with Writing Project Teacher Consultants as leaders. Book study groups promote conversations among teachers and school staff that will lead to the application of new ideas in classrooms and improvement of existing skills.
4. 4. How do we start a Book Study Group? Seek members from grade-level team members, subject-area groups and departments. Study groups may be opened to an entire district by grade levels or interest. Seek out the support of your principal, who may be able to help your group with determining a time and location. Participation should always be voluntary and membership inclusive.
5. 5. How do we start a Book Study Group? Decide a meeting schedule, meeting place, the length of the book to read, and what will happen after the book is read. Have a responsible facilitator to remind group members of meetings, keep the group on task, and help run meetings. Meeting twice a month keeps ideas of the books present in the minds of teachers. Meetings last no more than one hour.
6. 6. How do we choose a book? Where can we meet? Public places Virtual ideas Someones home Book study groups should have a clear objective for reading a particular book.
7. 7. What happens during a book study group meeting? Conversations are at the heart of the book study group. Have a facilitator to focus discussion and manage meetings. Journaling can also be used as a powerful learning tool along with a book study. Be sure to discuss the ideas that can be applied directly in the classroom.
8. 8. What happens after we finish the book? The group should evaluate the book. Decides the book is of value or not? Other groups may choose to continue to meet and read more books on the topic. Some groups choose to continue meeting after having read the book to discuss how it has changed their instructional practices. Plan to examine the impact of these changes. Think about what types of follow-ups are needed.
9. 9. What is the role of the principal in book study groups? The principal plays a key role in championing book study groups. Promote study groups. Help support book study groups.
10. 10. Reference Zepeda, S. J., (2012). Professional development: What works, 2nd edition. New York, NY: Routledge. Tarulli, L., (2014). BISAC to replace Dewey in the future? The Cataloguing Librarian.