Thursday, October 23, 2008

Chapter 7 Group Work That Grows Understanding

Posted by at

4 comments:

  1. lastNovember 5, 2008 at 10:13 AM

    I had a few questions about this chapter. I see how it could work if we had a lot of reading but we don't in math. I feel like it wouldn't need to be so indepth if we used it with understanding what is being asked of a question. The modeling is a good idea. I liked that the teacher did good and bad actions that the students could relate to. I think this would be beneficial in my class due to all the group work they do. I liked the observation worksheet the teacher used. I could use this with the group work that students go in class. The idea that the feedback has to be immediate is true. If I don't get feedback right away it doesn't seem like it means a lot. This is why I try to give the students work back in a timely manner.

    ReplyDelete
  2. PBJDecember 3, 2008 at 9:29 AM

    My problem with group work is that some people slack off and others end up doing the work. That is as true in the adult world as it is in the student world. I liked the fact that "Teacher Actions" were addressed for all the student concerns. Do we give one group grade for work done in a group.....or is an individual grade?
    Like Michelle (above) and Tovani say.....if students are to become better at discussion and group interaction they need specific and immediate feedback. I know that is difficult when you have numerous groups. The modeling lesson is a great idea. I find myself modeling more and more whenever I have the chance. Modeling the poor responses might be eye-opening to students.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Greg, Jaime, Eli and SawyerDecember 8, 2008 at 10:57 AM

    I also have the same concerns about group work as Beth and Michelle do. I think we all have been in the situation as a teacher and as a student where group work just does not seem fair to all participants. I agree with Tovani when she mentions that students should be graded individually when working in a group. They also need to understand how to effectively have a discussion. The modeling is a wonderful way for students to see and evaluate what a productive group member is and what an unproductive one is.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Miss SommersDecember 15, 2008 at 6:49 AM

    Last year, we did a group project that went ok but of course there were students that I couldn't get through to about everyone working. I tried to certain ones projects or asking a person that didn't talk much what they thought but in the end I just got frustrated. I think if I would have modeled like Tovani did it would have helped them see what I was seeing and then the correct way. I expected them to know how to work in groups because I've seen them in other classes working. Now that I've had some time to reflect, every class is different- different teacher, students, atmosphere- being in middle school, sometimes they can't transfer material learned in one class to another. I have to remember that and be ready to reteach something so we all can be successful.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)