What Research Has to Say About Reading Instruction - International ...

Welcome to Study Groups!
This resource is designed to equip you with ideas and strategies
for effectively using What Research Has to Say About Reading
Instruction, edited by Alan E. Farstrup and S. Jay Samuels,
for professional development in a book study group in your school.
School-based learning communities, such as those fostered in study
groups, can empower faculty, improve teaching and learning, and
bring positive, systemic change to schools. This facilitator’s guide
contains strategies to assist you in providing this opportunity for
professional growth to your colleagues.
What Is a Study Group?
Study groups provide a forum for teachers to develop themselves by
reading, discussing, and reflecting on professional literature related to
a topic of interest to them personally or one that is a school priority.
Many schools and districts use study groups as a formal means of
professional development because they recognize the value of allowing
teachers time to engage together in academic dialogue and inquiry.
Study groups meet regularly to learn from outstanding professional
books or other resources; members then employ the knowledge
gained in group study in their own teaching. The ultimate goal is to
gain professional knowledge, improve teaching, and thereby improve
student achievement.
First Steps
As the study group facilitator, it’s your job to get the ball rolling. Here
are some steps to follow before the group sits down together for your
first meeting.
Think About a Goal
All learners, children and adults alike, are most engaged when the
topic under study is relevant and interesting to them. It’s important
to your study group’s success to have clear goals in mind, both to
ensure that group members are active participants and to be able to
demonstrate accomplishments to yourselves and your administrators.
From the Professional Development Edition of What Research Has to Say About Reading Instruction
(3rd ed.), © 2009 International Reading Association.
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