Navigating Hub Teaching: The Power of Collaborative Pedagogy
“There is nothing more difficult and dangerous to undertake, nor more doubtful of success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things; because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old order, and only lukewarm support from those who have done well under the new. This coolness reflects a fear of the old guard, who have tradition on their side, and also people’s general suspicion of unfamiliar innovations.” Machiavelli, The Prince.
As we delve deeper into our hub teaching journey, it’s become increasingly clear that agreement on pedagogy is a cornerstone of success. After all, our hub isn’t just a learning space for students, it’s also a collaborative workspace for us educators (Knock, 2022). To foster this consensus, we’ve embarked on a series of “research moments” where each team member takes a Wednesday to share educational research with the group.
Our journey began by exploring Dr. Anne Knock’s insightful PhD Completion Seminars, Part 2 & 3. These videos delve into the most impactful strategies for educators working in Innovative Learning Environments (ILEs), which our hub certainly is!
**Using the “See, Think, Wonder” thinking routine, we reflected on Dr. Knock’s findings: **
- Future-Focused Orientation: This resonated with the team. We envision our hub as a space that prepares students for VUCA world, fostering adaptability and critical thinking.
- Professional Development (PD) Together: We agreed that attending PD sessions as a team allows for deeper understanding and fosters a shared language when it comes to implementing new strategies.
- Design & Prototyping Mindset: Embracing a “test and learn” approach was embraced by all. This allows us to experiment with different teaching methods and adapt based on peronalizing for student needs.
- Team-First Agenda: Collaboration and prioritizing shared goals emerged as key components of a successful hub.
- Workplace as “Front Stage” & “Back Stage”: We recognized the importance of both visible and invisible elements in our hub. This means creating an agentic learning environment (“front stage”) while having regular team huddles and collab sessions, well-organized and functional areas for planning and collaboration (“back stage”).
It’s early days, but so far, these “research moments” have been instrumental in fostering a shared understanding of what constitutes effective pedagogy within our hub. We’re moving forward with a clear vision based on research and our collective expertise, creating a space that is not only future-focused but also fosters collaboration, innovation, and student growth.
At ICS Addis, we’re fortunate to be part of a school that prioritizes collaborative time and professional development. This commitment is evident in our daily team meetings and the emphasis on shared PD opportunities. Leadership ensures that all new staff members receive essential training, including PYP, Adaptive Schools, and Responsive Classrooms. Even our education assistants (EAs) participate in these foundational programs, fostering a cohesive and well-informed team. This collective investment in professional growth has significantly contributed to our ability to effectively implement the hub teaching model and create a supportive learning environment for our students.
Check out Dr. Anne Knock’s PhD Completion Seminars on Youtube:
In our next post, we’ll delve deeper into how these pedagogical principles are shaping the design and structure of our hub learning environment.
Would you like to share your experiences with building pedagogical consensus in your collaborative learning spaces? Leave a comment below!
