Benefits of Collaboration

Collaboration is a style of interaction between a minimum of two co-equal parties voluntarily engaged in shared decision making as they strive towards achieving a common goal (Cook & Friend, 1995). Such kind of collaboration is common among the special and general education teachers offering special education service in public schools. Collaboration in the inclusion classroom is an equitable process that makes teachers value the importance of sharing education responsibility for students with disabilities. For collaboration to be effective, it should be based on trust, respect, and shared responsibility for all student’s educational achievement. 

Among the key benefits of collaboration between general education and special education teachers is that it provides an opportunity to connect with students with different personalities. Collaboration provides an opportunity for teaching in small groups and one-to-one learning, thereby, stronger modeling during the lesson. According to Blask (2011), the process of collaborative brainstorming with each other delivers lessons that are more creative. 

Another critical benefit of the collaboration is the sharing of expertise among the two categories of students. The teachers are able to enhance one another’s ability to support a student’s learning in all areas of the school environment. All members are able to acquire knowledge that assists in handling the needs of the special need students. Each team member brings their unique experiences, expertise, and perspectives. Sharing of ideas by a team member invokes ideas out of the others thereby enhancing the creativity of all team members through the interactions. The key element of co-teaching involves determining what instructional techniques and strategies will best meet the student’s academic needs. The teachers are able to analyze different teaching styles and choosing the one that best meets professional standards as well as the ability to meet students’ needs (Holsey, 2009).

References 

Blask, F. (2011). Collaboration between General Education Teachers and Related Service Providers. Online Submission.

Cook, L., & Friend, M. (1995). Co-Teaching: Guidelines for Creating Effective Practices. Focus on Exceptional Children, 28(3), 1-16. Holsey, P. (2009). What are the Benefits and Barriers of Collaborative Teaching in the Inclusion Model?. The Corinthian, 10(1), 12