LINKING TEACHER PLANNERS: THE SYMBIOTIC METHOD

The Symbiotic Method of linking planners is less simplistic than the Jigsaw Method; however, there are some instances where complete fluidity and flexibility are required – for example, when implementing a framework such as the Shared Leadership Framework.  So, what is the Symbiotic Method exactly? In a nutshell, it is the interaction that exists between planners – meaning that if one is modified, the other is also modified accordingly. In its most complex and highly functioning form, a school’s planners could be interconnected between staff and students, shifting continuously like cog wheels encompassed within an Educational Framework (school’s vision). See below.

However, a school can choose to implement the Symbiotic Method in less complex ways, as shown in the 3 examples below:

Scenario 1:

In this scenario both teacher and student would start with similar planners; the wording may be different, but the objectives would be the same. If the student planner needed to be modified, the teacher planner would shift accordingly, and vice versa, so that both teacher and student would  remain aligned.
 
Scenario 2:

In this second instance, all staff start with similar planners that do not necessarily link together like lock and key, yet all tie in to the school’s vision. The purpose of designing and implementing planners in this manner would be to ensure a cohesive learning journey within a school’s staff – so, if the columns, rows, or boxes are switched in one planner, all teacher planners need to shift accordingly, ensuring consistency and continuity.

Scenario 3:

And in a third scenario, planners are linked together using the Jigsaw Method; however, unlike in the Jigsaw Method, the last column of the mainstream planner and the first of the specialist planner are allowed to move symbiotically, as are any of the grey boxes in the above diagram. In order for this to function, there must be complete transparency and openness between staff members, as one change to the last column of a mainstream planner effects every single planner from another subject area that attaches to it. 

Some scenarios in which a school may choose to use the Symbiotic Method of connecting planners are as follows:

• if a school is looking for absolute fluidity and movement amongst staff and/or between staff and students
• if a school is looking to integrate an idea as a whole, such as instilling certain concepts or values like empathy, resilience, etc.
• if a school isn’t looking to connect everyone, just certain staff members, or only certain subject areas
• if certain teachers (or all) want a better way to connect with their students and improve learning in their classrooms
  

 
Wondering if the Symbiotic Method is the right fit for you? Perhaps a combination of the Jigsaw and Symbiotic Methods is the way to go? Whatever your needs, we are able to assist you in achieving your school’s goals!

Further Reading

The Power of Planners
Individualized Teacher Planners: Do They Really Work?
How to Use Planners to Change Mindset
How to Use Planners as a Tool for Mentoring Teachers
The Role of Planners in Curriculum Mapping
Linking Teacher Planners: The Jigsaw Method

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