Example Norms of Collaboration

Example Norms of Collaboration

1. Pausing

Pausing before responding or asking a question allows time for thinking and enhances dialogue, discussion and decision-making.

2. Paraphrasing

Using a paraphrase starter that is comfortable for you – “So…” or “As you are…” or “You’re thinking…” – and following the starter with an efficient paraphrase assists members of the group in hearing and understanding one another as they converse and make decisions.

3. Posing Questions

Two intentions of posing questions are to explore and to specify thinking. Questions may be posed to explore perceptions, assumptions, and interpretations, and to invite others to inquire into their thinking. For example, “What might be some conjectures you are exploring?” Use focusingquestions such as, “Which students, specifically?” or “What might be an example of that?” to increase the clarity and precision of group members’thinking. Inquire into others’ ideas before advocating one’s own.

4. Putting Ideas on the Table

Ideas are the heart of meaningful dialogue and discussion. Label the intention of your comments. For example: “Here is one idea…” or “One thoughtI have is…” or “Here is a possible approach…” or

“Another consideration might be…”.

5. Providing Data

Providing data, both qualitative and quantitative, in a variety of forms supports group members in constructing shared understanding from theirwork. Data have no meaning beyond that which we make of them; shared meaning develops from collaboratively exploring, analyzing, and interpreting data.

6. Paying Attention to Self and Others

Meaningful dialogue and discussion are facilitated when each group member is conscious of self and of others, and is aware of what (s) he is sayingand how it is said as well as how others are responding. This includes paying attention to learning styles when planning, facilitating, and participatingin group meetings and conversations.

7. Presuming Positive Intentions

Assuming that others’ intentions are positive promotes and facilitates meaningful dialogue and discussion, and prevents unintentional put-downs.Using positive intentions in speech is one manifestation of this norm.

(Garmston and Wellman, 1999, p. 37).

More resources here

Garmston, R., and Wellman, B. (1999). The Adaptive School: A Sourcebook for Developing Collaborative Groups.Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon Publishers.