Managing Groups Eileen Rowe Courtney Howard

Flexible Grouping Grouping students according to their learning needs and the goals of that particular lesson. Grouping students according to their learning needs and the goals of that particular lesson. Short term Short term Not used everyday Not used everyday

Types of Groups Readiness– heterogeneous Readiness– homogenous Independent or individual

General Grouping Guidelines Start small Whole group to groupings in same class period

Group Size Pairs Pairs Triads Triads Quads Quads Groups of five Groups of five Suggestion: limit size to four at the most. Keeping track of everyone’s contributions is more difficult as the size of the group increases. Suggestion: limit size to four at the most. Keeping track of everyone’s contributions is more difficult as the size of the group increases.

Group Make-up I have found the best mix to include I have found the best mix to include a strong student who can be counted on to guide the group, to model good productive group behavior, and to take the responsibility to complete the project on time a strong student who can be counted on to guide the group, to model good productive group behavior, and to take the responsibility to complete the project on time a student who would benefit from guidance, who may need encouragement to participate, who might be lost in a bigger group a student who would benefit from guidance, who may need encouragement to participate, who might be lost in a bigger group a student or student who is at a level between the other two groups a student or student who is at a level between the other two groups

Assigning Groups Post-its on desks Post-its on desks Groups are listed on board or projector for students to see as they enter Groups are listed on board or projector for students to see as they enter Suggestion: give groups a name based on the project, or have the group name itself. Suggestion: give groups a name based on the project, or have the group name itself.

Building Accountability For Group Work Need both group and individual accountability Evaluation Agreements or norms How to speak in a group ENCOURAGEMENT! Individual tasks

Your Role Facilitator Coach

Importance Students’ strengths Students’ strengths Variety Variety

Management Anchoring activities Group rules Group roles Accountability

Roles Leader Timekeeper Materials Manager Recorder Reporter Scout Assessor The Crafty Connector Astute Artist Spotlight Sleuth Encourager Moderator

Rules ATABOY ATABOY “Three Strikes and You’re Out!” “Three Strikes and You’re Out!”

Handouts We hope these help!