Models of Co-teaching - Parallel Teaching

In this co-teaching model, the team splits the class into two groups and each teacher teaches the same information at the same time. Parallel teaching works well to differentiate instruction when the content being taught is particularly challenging. Students can benefit from learning difficult material in a smaller group, (Morin, n.d.).

CLASSROOM SETUP

The class is divided into two groups, and each teacher delivers the same instruction to half of the class. The room is divided into two distinct sections, with one teacher in each section with half the class.

ADVANTAGE

Students benefit from smaller groups, and groups can be strategically planned (and changed frequently) based on readiness levels
Provides a smaller group and thus more individual attention
Can provide control for socially-based behaviour problems between students
Gives students the chance to ask more questions during lesson time
Keeps the academic rigor of a demanding lesson, but splits the responsibility between both teachers

DISADVANTAGE

Two simultaneous groups could be distracting if there is not enough separation.
Timing will need to be carefully monitored.
Requires collaborative planning
Can be difficult to invisibly differentiate in a smaller group
Requires that each teacher be equally strong in the material to be presented

BEST FOR...

Frequent use when students will benefit from a smaller group and more individualized attention, and when teachers have equally strong content knowledge.

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.