Writing ‘round the World in Learning Circles Margaret Riel with Learning Circle Teachers

Computers Networks: Authentic Audiences for Students A number of research studies show same effect: Writing in the context of meaningful projects leads to skill development that is higher than is achieved with routine drill and practice methods. Riel, 1989 Cohen & Riel, 1989 Spaulding & Lake, 1991 Gallini & Helman, 1993 Irvine, 1994 Mak, 1995

Learning Circles: Cross-Classroom Collaboration To Create a Circle Publication  Group Investigations within Classrooms.  Group Investigations across Classrooms. One of the best ways to learn something is to agree to teach it to someone else!

What is involved in Meaningful Writing Projects?  Communicating ideas and attitudes through writing  Understanding the needs of different audiences  Using language appropriately (mechanics and spelling)

Learning Circle Model  Emphasis on Writing across the Curriculum  Focus on Multi-discipline Themes  Encourages Collaborative Learning

Learning Circle Model Learning Circle Partners (A Group of 6-10 Classes) Grade level compatibility Geographic Diversity Common Timeline Task Coordination Individual Creativity Responsibility to the Group

Phase 1: Getting Ready

Overview The Learning Circle Teacher Guide provides a structural approach to promoting cross-classroom collaboration with telecommunications. The first chapter is a condensed version of the whole guide. If you want to understand this model of online teaching and learning, this first chapter is a good place to begin. Learning Circle Introduction Learning Circle Introduction Phases of Learning Circle Interaction from 1-6

GettingReady Planning Circle CircleProjects Exchanging Exchanging Student Student Work Work Organizing Circle CirclePublication ClosingtheCircle Interaction Learning Circle OpeningtheCircle

Phase 2: Opening the Circle

Classroom Survey (online) 1. About the Students 2. About the School 3. About the Community Welcome Packs (postal mail) Send whatever fits in a large envelope (pictures, brochures, drawings, symbols, etc.) that will tell others 1. Who you are 2. What you look like 3. What you like to do 4. Where you live Phase 2: "Team Formation" Activities

Phase 2: "Team Formation" Objectives Phase 2: "Team Formation" Objectives Students:   Think critically about self; define themselves for others.   Learn from others what things they value.   Develop descriptive skills   Learn to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Phase 3: Planning Circle Projects

Phase 3: Planning Circle Projects: Setting Goals & Commitment  Responsibility & Commitment  Each Class as a team organizes or "sponsors" a project for the group.  Every class is responsible to send at least one response to the projects in their Learning Circle.

Examples of Circle Projects Places and Perspectives Elementary Comparing Places Historical City Tour Local History Timeline World War II Surveys Weather Ecosystems 1850 Simulation Mind Works Middle School Circle Stories Invention Convention Place Poetry Cultural Stories Teen Tales Predictions 2020 Environmental Projects Global Issues High School New World Order Economic Issues Ozone and the Environment Solar Power A.I.D.S. Oil Spills

Phase 3: Setting Goals & Commitment Objectives Phase 3: Setting Goals & Commitment Objectives Students...  Develop interpersonal skills as students work together to develop project idea.  Learn to plan ahead as they consider what type of material to request for their partners.  Develop written communication skills as they describe their project to the Circle.

Phase 4: Exchanging Student Work

Phase 4: Exchanging Student Work Implementation  Students working in groups send work on all of the Learning Circle Projects.  Student receive work from other students and store this information for later use.  Each class team monitors the work received on their sponsored project and encourages their partners to complete work on schedule. Team Work

Exchange of Student Work on Projects Picture by Heather Davis, John Wayland Elementary School

Phase 4: Implementation Learning Objectives Students...   Research topics from other classes.   Work with community resources.   Learn to monitor goals on schedule.   Develop strategies to encourage others to meet deadlines.   Store & retrieve information with technology

Phase 5: Publishing Projects

Phase 5: Organizing the Circle Publication H igh Performance  Students reflect on their project and make decisions about how to present their collectivey.  Students evaluate, edit and format the information that they select to create a chapter, section or report for the Circle Publication. Students become Publishers

Or Web Publishing

Phase 5: Organizing the Circle Publication Student Objectives Students Learn to:   Work with information, analyzing, comparing, and editing to create a final presentation.   Use technical tools to create a final presentation.   Accept responsibility for the work, making sure that all tasks are completed within a group timeline.

Phase 6: Closing the Circle

Phase 6: Closing the Circle Reflection and Renewal Good-bye It isn't easy to say Good-Bye To all the fun things we did And all the new friends we made. We fly like birds in our minds And see you afar Even though mountains and states and countries divide us. If you try, If you really try, We can all be one in our hearts, In our minds And in our body. 4th grade, Sanders Elementary, Arizona to their Learning Circle

  Locate and Evaluate Information   Research & Organize Ideas   Creative Problem-Solving within a Team   Understand Multiple Perspectives on Issues   Develop Cooperative Learning Strategies   Increase Self-Esteem and Confidence   Accept Individual and Group Responsibility   Use Technology Effectively Circle Closing Overall Learning Objectives

Cross-Classroom Collaboration Continual learning and professional opportunities for teachers in the classroom Connections to the learning opportunities outside of the classroom for students World

Dr. Margaret Riel iEARN gsep.peppedine.edu/~mriel Links to more Information On Issues in Learning Circles