Book Study: A Tool for Professional Conversation

A good way to engage teaches and other staff in their own professional growth is to organize a book study group. At some schools, every teacher may be asked to read the same book and work in small groups to discuss the book and its implications for practice. In others, teachers may choose from among several books and join colleagues who selected the same book for their discussion.

Here are some things I've learned about organizing book study groups.

• Membership should be voluntary, but inclusive.
• Decide a meeting schedule, meeting place, length of book to be read, and what will happen after the book is red. It is recommended that meetings last no more than one hour and be held at a consistent time and place.
• Select a responsible facilitator to keep the group on task and to help manage the meetings.
• Select a book with a clear objective in mind. For example, select a book that aligns with your school improvement plan.
• Conversation is important in a book study. Members of the group share insights, ask questions about the text, and learn from others. It is important to talk about how the ideas can be directly applied in the classroom and how to overcome any potential obstacles.
• Journaling is a useful way for members to think about their reading and reflect on how it might be used.

Additional information about conducting a book study is available at www.eyeoneducation.com/BookStudyGroupFAQ/BookStudyFAQ.asp.

I would enjoy hearing from you about ways you engage teachers in their professional growth and promote conversations about improving your school. I look forward to hearing from you.