D1Q1

==1: Define “Cooperation” as it is used by Buzzeo and by comparison, as it is used by Montiel-Overall in her article, and explain your definition of this term? What are the benefits and draw-backs to the library media specialists’ practicing “cooperation” -- as you’ve defined it -- for various stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators, the LMS herself)? ==



The class in general agreed on the major points of this question. The discussion around benefits and drawbacks portion elicited the strongest responses.

 Buzzeo defines cooperation as teacher and library media specialist working independently but coming together briefly for mutual benefit.

 Montriel-Overall states that coordinated efforts are “primarily functional and involved the management of time, events and resources.” Impact on student achievement is minimal. According to Montiel-Overall, cooperation is the second level, out of four, which divides the teacher/librarian tasks equally.

 Both agree broadly that the definition of cooperation entails two or more people working together toward a common goal or outcome. Cooperation is reactive to the situation with little or no prior planning.

 The benefits of cooperation are many and include assisting the teacher, using resources wisely, supporting the curriculum, and boosting achievement (although there is general agreement that the impact is smaller than with collaboration). When LMS and classroom teachers cooperate lessons are enriched by sharing multiple viewpoints creating synchronicity. Cooperation has the advantage of being responsive to changing needs. Laura Spangler notes that collaborative efforts can have ripple effects beyond the initial project. Many of us noted that successful cooperation can lead to collaboration down the road and we should allow time for collaboration to develop. Natalie Green reflected on the Oberg reading, noting that collaboration is a long process and we should not get wrapped up in the “race to the finish.”

 The class noted several drawbacks, chief among them time. Cooperation occurs most often between two individuals, limiting its impact and, according to Christie Rigilano the number of relationships the LMS has an opportunity to form. If too much time is given to cooperation it can also take away from more meaningful activities. Shelly Borysiewicz points out that the cooperation is one sided with the LMS providing support to the classroom teacher, however in an age of budget cuts this can be self preservation at work. A few suggested that assistants in the media center can help with cooperation, freeing time for the librarian to engage in greater collaboration.

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