The purpose of this document is to guide educators’ participation in a collaborative book study. Adults learn best when professional development opportunities are strengths based, support and sustain practice, and relate to what they already know. Taking time to reflect before, during, and after your study will foster meaningful and applicable learning.
Book Study Best Practices.pdf
Group Book Study
Getting Started
Begin by taking some time to get to know one another. The more comfortable you are together, the more likely you are to share and learn from one another. Connection allows you to link your learning to what you already know.
Determine who will facilitate each session. The facilitator role is flexible. It can be the same person throughout the study or participants can take turns being the facilitator during each meeting.
Reflect on the educators who are participating in the book study.
- What do you know about each other’s learning styles?
- What type of communication would you prefer? (verbal, written, etc.)
- What is an ideal pace to complete the assigned readings?
Determine why you chose this book.
- Does it address a need?
- How does this book connect to your practice?
- What are your learning goals?
Choose a resource to guide your reading and discussions. Options include:
- WY ECPLC study guides (wyecplc.org)
- Self/Group created guide
- Use the tools available in your book as a guide. Answer questions, complete exercises, or fill out forms and surveys provided in the text you are studying.
Set group expectations.
- What does everyone need for this to feel like a safe learning space?
- How will we support each other in difficult conversations?
- How will you make sure all voices are being heard?
- What does it look like to be prepared and active learner?
Plan book study logistics.
- What times and how often will you meet?
- How will you support collaboration?
- How will you link learning to practice?
While Reading
Highlight, take notes, and/or mark quotes, passages, or thoughts that stand out to you.
Write down questions you have for yourself and the group.
Take time to reflect.
- Did you notice any themes?
- What was something that surprised you?
- Is there anything you are unsure of?
- What is something from this reading that you will put into practice right away?
Check in with the group.
- What’s going well?
- Are all voices being heard?
- Do any changes need to be made to meet the needs of the group?
After Book Completion
Think about your experience.
- Was this an effective way for you to learn?
- What were some things that went well?
- What were some things you’d do differently?
- How did this learning opportunity change your practice?
Discuss next steps for your professional learning with your group, a partner, supervisor, or WY ECPLC regional facilitator.
Independent Book Study
Getting Started
Determine why you chose this book.
- Does it address a need?
- How does this book connect to your practice?
- What are your learning goals?
Reflect on how you learn best.
- Will you take notes, mark pages, highlight passages, etc.?
- Who will you share your learning with?
- Reach out to your WY ECPLC regional facilitator if you need additional support to make your learning successful.
Choose a resource to guide your reading and discussions. Options include:
- WY ECPLC study guides (wyecplc.org)
- Self-created guide
- Use the tools available in your book as a guide. Answer questions, complete exercises, or fill out forms and surveys provided in the text you are studying.
Plan book study logistics.
- What is an ideal pace to complete readings?
- How will you support collaboration?
- How will you link learning to practice?
While Reading
Take time to reflect.
- Did you notice any themes?
- What was something that surprised you?
- Is there anything you are unsure of?
- What is something from this reading that you will put into practice right away?
Do a self-check.
- What’s going well?
- What questions do you have?
- Do you need to make any changes to make your learning more successful?
After book completion
Think about your experience.
- Was this an effective way for you to learn?
- What were some things that went well?
- What were some things you’d do differently?
- How did this learning opportunity change your practice?
Find someone you can share your learning with (a colleague, friend, family member, or your WYECPLC Regional Facilitator).
Determine next steps for your professional learning.