Communication: Shared Resources

Six Tips for Teachers: How to Maximize Shared Resources | Edutopia

As mentioned to one of our colleagues in a previous posting, in my workplace, we have four groups of approximately 6-8 instructors (four levels) all sharing the same resources -- be these textbooks for the four skill areas or equipment.

Point four on the list of tips mentioned in this article deals with communication with colleagues. At my workplace, we make this sharing of resources work well with the help of a paper-and-pencil sign-up sheet placed at a strategic location.

When someone needs a resource previously signed out by another colleague, there is always room for negotiation. One often lets a colleague use a particular resource when she/he "really needs it" that particular time. In turn, we get to do the same when something comes up and we have to seize it for that "aha moment!"

I would be interested in learning how you deal with shared resources in your workplace.