Parallel Teaching Strategy

Overview

• Definition: Parallel Teaching involves dividing the class into two groups, each taught by a co-teacher on the same material.
• Purpose: To reduce student-to-teacher ratio, thus enhancing participation and minimizing behavioral issues.

Benefits

• Increased Interaction: Smaller groups mean students have more air time and teacher attention.
• Participation: Less opportunity for students to "hide"; encourages richer discussions and vocabulary use.
• Thoughtful Responses: Students have more time to think and provide well thought-out answers.

Implementation Details

• Class Division: Example from class with co-teachers John and Michael using table groupings.
  • Groups are not random but organized heterogeneously to mix EL students with higher and lower performing peers.
• Group Size: From 22 students to two groups of 11.

Classroom Management

• Noise Control: Essential to prevent distractions among groups.
• Timing: Both teachers should finish instructional segments in roughly the same timeframe to maintain consistency.

Recommended Usage

• Frequency: Teachers encouraged to use this strategy frequently to enhance student participation.
• Duration: With young students, like kindergartners, sessions should be around 15 minutes due to short attention spans.

Advantages for Deeper Learning

• Focus: Small groups allow for deeper instruction and learning.
• Attention to Detail: Teachers can catch and assist students before they fall behind.
• Familiarity: Utilizing familiar groups for efficiency and comfort.

Conclusion

Parallel Teaching is an effective strategy for enhancing classroom instruction and engagement through reduced student-teacher ratios and structured group interactions.