1. Flexible Instructional Grouping
Heacox
Chapter 5

2. 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

3. 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

4. F.I.G. at Exit Points
See pp (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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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