Models of Co-teaching - Alternative Teaching

In this method, one teacher handles a larger group, while the other teaches a small group who need specialized attention and additional supports., (CAST, n.d.). One teacher instructs most of the class and the other teacher teaches an alternate or modified version of the lesson to a smaller group of students. Alternative teaching is also sometimes described as “big group/small group” teaching, (Morin, n.d.).

CLASSROOM SETUP

One teacher teaches a lesson to the majority of the class, while a second teacher pulls a small group for an alternate or modified lesson. The first teacher is at the front of the room leading the instruction, while the second teacher meets with a small group in a separate area.

ADVANTAGE

Provides an opportunity for enrichment or intervention as needed.
Provides excellent differentiation opportunities
Provides a chance for remediation or enrichment for students who need it
Can provide behaviour control in the smaller group
Gives a chance to re-teach, review, and pre-teach
Allows for intervention as well as enrichment opportunities
Lets teachers use flexible groups

DISADVANTAGE

Students may feel singled out
Must not 'pigeonhole' one group of students by consistently pulling them together
May reduce the efficacy of inclusion by separating students with special needs
May reduce students' exposure to the general education curriculum
Can be challenging to control for noise, distraction, and enough space when working in the same classroom
Needs careful planning to make sure students don’t miss material being taught to the large group

BEST FOR...

Times when your data indicates that a small group of students needs extra assistance before moving on, or needs deeper enrichment while the majority of the class needs reteaching.

REFERENCES:
Morin, A. (n.d.). 6 models of co-teaching. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/6-models-of-co-teaching
C.A.S.T. (n.d.). What is Co-Teaching? An Introduction to Co-Teaching and Inclusion. Retrieved from https://publishing.cast.org/stories-resources/stories/co-teaching-introduction-inclusion-stein
Cook, L., & Friend, M. (2004, April 29). Co-Teaching: Principles, Practices, and Pragmatics. Participants Guide. Paper presented at New Mexico Public Education Department Quarterly Special Education Meeting, Albuquerque. Santa Fe, NM: New Mexico Public Education Department.
Model Teaching. (2019). The Six Co-Teaching Models Reference Guide. Retrieved from https://modelteaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-6-Co-Teaching-Models-Reference-Guide.pdf
Friend, M & Cook, L 2003. Interactions: Collaboration skills for school professionals. Pearson Education, Inc, Boston.