Adult Collaboration to Foster Student Learning: Multiple Adults Working Together in a Shared Classroom Setting

• In Event: Learning Environment and Physical Spaces

Abstract

Multiple adults working together in classrooms can take on a variety of forms, such as co-teachers, educational specialists, and volunteers, including parents. Interest in co-teaching has grown as educational legislation has indicated this is one way to meet varying student needs (Scruggs & Mastropieri, 2017), suggesting a rise in multiple adults working together in shared classroom settings. However, if partnerships such as co-teaching are “being employed far less effectively than is possible” (Scruggs, Mastropieri, & McDuffie, 2007, p. 412), this could result in more adults in the classroom without changing educational practices. This study seeks to develop an understanding of the roles of adults working together to learn how they can work to foster greater student learning opportunities.

Authors

• H. Michelle Kreamer, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Catherine M Brighton, University of Virginia

• Tonya R. Moon, University of Virginia