A Reflective-Collaborative Model to develop the Humanities Department

The development model I will be basing my assignment on will be of a reflective-collaborative nature. Among the humanities teachers we will look to individually develop professionally through reflection on current pratice. This reflection will lead to each individual recognising their own strengths and weaknesses. The program will then allow each person to chose a method of development, whether it be research or observation. In order to track progression the individual will also chose the method of appraisal they are comfortable with. Each of the choices will be discussed as a department within the school.

Departmental improvements will first be idenitified through an organisational analysis. SMART goals will then be stratfied to engage all of the department in moving toward the development of the department. As a group the department can decide how these improvements can be monitored and how developments will be recorded and subsequently reviewed.

Richardson (1998) through her book 'How teachers change' focussed on such a collaborative method. Through the empowerment of individuals through this method it is hoped that a community of teachers will be forged in order to develop teaching practice and motivation among colleagues. The system could be described as CDP, coaching or mentoring depending on the methods chosen by individuals and by the group as a whole.