CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING COLLABORATION BETWEEN TEACHERS IN A BILINGUAL SCHOOL LOCATED IN DONGGUAN CITY, CHINA

Abstract

This article analyzes the process of implementing collaborative relationships through the Teachers' Circle project in a bilingual school located in southern China. The objective of the project was to analyze the implementation process of a school management model that could promote collaboration between teachers of different nationalities. For that, a single case study strategy was chosen, a qualitative approach, with empirical data collection through semi-structured interviews, documentary survey and systematic participant observation, with the collected data being submitted to content analysis. Data analysis showed that to implement the Teachers' Circle project it was necessary to hold two monthly meetings for two months in which teachers sat in a large circle and worked on different issues in a dynamic way. The dynamic also provided opportunities for listening and talking so that the team could get to know each other better in order to learn how to deal with differences, transforming obstacles into bridges and, in this way, creating a relationship conducive to collaboration. It was possible to verify that the Circle of Teachers is an effective instrument for increasing collaboration, through practices and reflections that also provided the group with personal growth and satisfaction, overcoming the cultural differences present in the team.