What is a Study Group?
• A small group of educators who read, discuss and study an issue/issues and
then come together periodically (generally monthly) guided by a common goal or
purpose.
• The purpose is developed by the study group based on common needs or
interests.
• A dominant feature of school improvement and transformation of the culture of
programs.
• A vehicle for follow-up, networking and support.
• An opportunity to work internally or with those from other programs to develop
strategies for informed change, to study research on teaching and learning and to
grow as a professional community.
• Professional development that offers one of the greatest opportunities to impact
children’s learning.
How a Study Group works:
• The group is formed around a topic.
• A book, readings, videos etc. are chosen related to the topic.
• The group meets and develops a schedule for meeting – designated time, place
and number of meetings to accomplish the goal.
• At the first meeting, ground rules and group roles are established by the study
group.
• Facilitation can be done by one person or on a rotating basis. The facilitator
asks questions that promote reflection, listens, participates and summarizes the
session with group consensus.
• Participants are encouraged to relate new ideas to past knowledge and to
address implications on current classroom practice.
• The commitment is taken seriously by all. Participants commit to the time and
process.
• Participants engage in reflective practice through journal writings, shared
dialogue and other activities.
• Participants implement SG learning in their professional practice.
• Participants arrive at SG prepared to share, discuss and challenge each other.
• Records of the sessions are kept in a structured way in order to provide a history
of the process as well as the topic.
Suggested Protocol for a Study Group
• Topic
• Connection to Early Learning Program Guidelines
• Discuss “Into Practice”
• Vocabulary – Running Record
• Focused reading/activity/video
- What do you already know?
- What’s new?
- What questions do you have?
• Debrief
• Provocation – Discussion
• Cautionary Tale – opportunity to discuss inappropriate ideas and practices
• Into Practice
Suggested Study Group Topics
• Other topics can be developed
• Contact Regional Coordinator, Betty Lord or Early Literacy Specialist, Nancy
Osko to discuss
Balance between “child-initiated learning” and “adult-directed instruction”
Behavior
Blended Practices
Child Development and Learning
Children with disabilities
Coaching
Consultation Model - Itinerant Services
Creating a Community of Early Learning
Curriculum
DAP
Diversity
Early Childhood Research
Early Numeracy
Early Literacy
Early Writing
Evidence-based practices
Inclusion
Integrated practices
KRA-L
Least Restrictive Environment
Literacy Coaching
Mentoring
Play
Reggio Emilia
Ready Schools
Response to Intervention and Instruction – RTII
Transition
Scaffolding
Vocabulary Building
