Flexible Instructional Grouping Heacox Chapter 5

Flexible Instructional Grouping The “heart” of D.I. You can “personalize learning activities according to students’ needs” (p. 85) – engage students with meaningful & relevant learning You can then work with the groups who need it, while others forge ahead with their learning

What F.I.G. Is Not Not used daily – as needed Not permanent groups Not all same-sized groups Not all on same time table – what need to complete task

F.I.G. at Exit Points See pp. 64-65 (Heacox chapter 3) – in curriculum map Exit points are good for F.I.G. – some students have mastered material while others have not, or some could work on more advanced task while others work on basics

How to Group By readiness/ability By type of learner: bodily/kinesthetic, visual, auditory, verbal/linguistic By preferences or strengths - interpersonal or intrapersonal (M.I. “social” preference) By interest

Various Grouping Strategies See pp. 86-87 Tracking Ability/Aptitude Performance Cooperative Flexible Instructional F.A.Q.’s p. 88

How to Manage Flexible Groups Divide whole group into teams of 4 or 5 You will not need to spend the same amount of time with each group Provide checklist of procedures/steps/ rubrics to complete task Establish behavior guidelines for group work

How to Manage Flexible Groups (cont.) Let them know when you are available for help – Wear hat? Stand in certain location? What must they complete? What are they to do if they finish early? Begin &/or end class/activity with whole group reflection & sharing time

Flexible Grouping Across Classrooms One way – break up by students needing more work with basics & students needing more advanced practice (extension or enrichment) Students move into different classroom with necessary materials & knowing expectations

Student Independence Plan for students who like to work independently and for those who cannot work independently Present new content or skills to whole group Provide clear directions, then move students to groups Work with those needing guidance, let independent workers go