Flexible Grouping and Cooperative Learning

Differentiation Non-Negotiables Supportive learning environment Continuous assessment High-quality curriculum Respectful tasks Flexible grouping

It’s like an audition… In a sense, the teacher is continually auditioning kids in different settings—and the students get to see how they can contribute in a variety of contexts. Carol Ann Tomlinson, 2009

Flexible Grouping Scattergories Brainstorm ways to group students

Grouping can be… Teacher Assigned Student Chosen Random

Grouping can be… determined by similar or varied: Readiness Interest Learning profile

When does grouping facilitate instruction? When it: allows both for quick mastery of information and ideas allows for additional exploration by students needing more time for mastery allows for both collaborative and independent work gives students and teachers a voice in work arrangements

When does grouping facilitate instruction? When it: allows students to work with a wide variety of peers encourages teachers to “try out” students in a variety of work settings keeps students from being “pegged” as advanced or struggling

Planning for Grouping : Questions to Consider When does grouping benefit students? When does grouping facilitate instruction? Which activities lend themselves to group work? How do you determine group membership?

Cooperative learning Structures developed by Spencer Kagan ◦ Researcher and author ◦ Clinical psychologist and professor of psychology ◦ Four specialty areas  Cooperative learning  Multiple intelligences  Classroom discipline  Classroom energizers

Group Work - Old and New Task is usually a project Some students do more work and take most responsibility Some students are ignored by others in group Some students feel success, others feel frustration Each student cares most about what he/she learns and what grade he/she receives Task may be a project, brainstorming, problem solving Shared work and responsibility Participation of all students is encouraged Each student’s ideas and work are valued Students care about group learning

Flexible Grouping with Grouping Cards Share your ideas with the group

Clock buddies

Six Key Elements To Cooperative Learning Teams Will to Cooperate Cooperative Management Skill to Cooperate Four Basic Principles Cooperative Structures

Four Basic Principles to Cooperative Learning Positive Interdependence Individual Accountability Equal Participation Simultaneous Interaction

COOPERATIVE LEARNING STRUCTURES Think-Pair-Share Jigsaw Round Table Three-Step Interview Numbered Heads Together Send-a-Problem