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Teacher Preparation

The Workshop Model setup is more complex than just a normal class lesson. Workshop Model isn't always the best choice for teachers who don't have their own room, or don't think they can set up for it quickly enough. On most occasions, workstation folders, model mini-lessons (if needed), and specific seating for students who have strengths and weaknesses in certain areas are needed, hence it may take more time than usual to set up the class. A teacher who has to move around often may have difficulties setting up all these things that are needed in a Workshop Model class.

Although Workshop Model has its many advantages, it can make it harder for a teacher to keep a class quiet. Group work is essential in Workshop Model yet this can sometimes lead students astray of their work. It is important for teachers to regulate the classroom's work level and make sure that students are on task, but keeping the class quiet adds to the work teachers have to do when they perform Workshop Model. Workshop Model may be an efficient teaching method, but it also has its downsides; setup, group seating, and other problems such as too much socialization while in groups. It is important for teachers to take into consideration how they can plan everything workshop model requires, and it can sometimes not be suitable for all teachers' teaching styles.

Another point many educators bring up is that students can benefit from completing work on their own, and that opportunity is sometimes taken away by the model. When some students see the teacher's model, especially during a writing lesson, they may simply recopy the model and not create any work on their own. Teachers contend that the extra effort they put into creating the models only helps students take shortcuts in their own work, perhaps even limiting their imaginations.

 

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