Collaboration

Collaboration in the Classroom!

1. Make clear and reachable goals: Define the objectives of the collaboration so that all students understands what they are working towards. Clear goals provide direction and purpose to the collaboration.

2. Create a supportive environment: Creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and contributing to discussions. Encourage respect and active listening among classmates.

3. Assign roles: Assigning specific roles or tasks to each student can help ensure that everyone participates and contributes to the group's success. Roles can include facilitator, timekeeper, note-taker, etc.

4. Encourage communication: Emphasize the importance of communication within the group. Encourage students to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions openly and respectfully. Provide guidance on effective communication strategies.

5. Teamwork: Teach students how to work together as a team by emphasizing the value of collaboration and cooperation. Encourage them to focus on each other's strengths and skills to achieve common goals.

6. Provide guidance and support: Offer guidance and support to students as they work on collaborative tasks. Be available to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer assistance as needed.

7. Set reachable expectations: Clearly outline expectations for participation, deadlines, and quality of work. Make sure students understand what is expected of them and the consequences of not meeting those expectations.

8. Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their collaborative experiences, both individually and as a group. Ask them to think about what went well, what could have been improved, and what they learned from the process.

9. Technology: Utilize technology tools and platforms to facilitate collaboration, such as online discussion boards, shared documents, and collaborative editing tools. These tools can make it easier for students to work together, especially in remote or hybrid learning environments.

10. Celebrate success: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of collaborative efforts. Highlight the positive outcomes and contributions of individuals and the group as a whole to reinforce the value of collaboration.

Talking to Local High School Students:

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024 and Wednesday, April 16, 2025 I had the opportunity to speak with a group of high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in education. As a current education major at Dominican, I was excited to share my journey and give them a glimpse into what their future could look like if they choose this path. In the 2024 visit, we participated in a discussion board where we introduced ourselves and shared a bit about our journey in the education program at Dominican. It was a great way for the students to start building connections and get a sense of interests and questions meeting in person.

On April 16th during lunch from 12–1, I sat with a small group and we had a casual but meaningful conversation about what drew them to education. I shared what inspired me to choose Dominican and what I’ve learned throughout my coursework and field experiences so far. It was great to connect with students who are already thinking seriously about their futures and to encourage them to explore education as a major.

From 1–2, we continued the conversation in smaller breakout groups. I talked about my own path—why I chose education, what classes and experiences have been most impactful, and how Dominican supports us through advising, practicum opportunities, and faculty mentorship. The students asked thoughtful questions about everything from student teaching to career options after graduation.

It was really rewarding to be part of this event and to offer a student perspective. I hope I was able to help them feel more confident and excited about their potential future in education!