Teachers Collaborating as a Professional Learning Network and Learning How to Implement Collaborative Problem Solving in the Primary Math’s Classroom

Abstract

Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) is a pedagogy seldom used in math’s classrooms despite its relevance and ability to develop students’ 21st century learning skills. International reports from PISA have highlighted the necessity of both collaboration and problem solving as crucial 21st century skills and this particular study focusses on teachers learning about using CPS in maths. In this small case study, five Australian primary school teachers explore the introduction of this pedagogy into their maths classrooms whilst supporting each other in a professional learning network (PLN). The findings highlight the importance of the support and collaboration in a teacher team needed to assist with the development of this new pedagogy. They learned about teacher collaboration as their students too learned about student collaboration. Being a part of PLN helped them develop leadership as they were involved in common structured activities together, as they implemented CPS in their classrooms, and in the process, built trust. Other outcomes resulted, including development of collaborative leadership; a common vision; a collective vision developed alongside students, all leading to a deeper understanding of cooperative learning and collaborative problem solving.