Collaboration in the Elementary School: What Do Teachers Think?

Abstract

Teaching is often seen as an isolated profession in which individual teachers work behind closed doors independently
from other teachers. However, this view of teaching as primarily an individual activity belies the reality of modern,
collaborative educational practices that most significantly impact student learning. In this study, we examine
elementary teachers’ perspectives on common collaborative practices and discuss what teachers believe are the biggest
benefits of and barriers to teacher collaboration. The results from this investigative survey suggest that although
teachers do not regularly participate in many collaborative activities, they believe that collaboration is valuable and an
effective use of their time.