debw5
08-11-2008, 07:08 PM
Hello,
My name is Deb and I am new to this forum. I teach fourth grade in a small suburban school. I am here to ask for some assistance. I am currently taking a class on Collaborative Learning. One of my assignments requires me to get some input from teachers who already use Collaborative Learning. I have chosen three of Kagan’s structures that are useful for class building and have given a brief explanation as to why I think they would be successful in my classroom. I need some constructive criticism or other advice about my plan. If you are able to help, I would be truly appreciative.
I have chosen to implement three structures this coming year. The first one is Formations. I think this would be great for class building because my fourth grade students know each other well due to the fact that we have a relatively small school. They are comfortable with each other and would feel at ease creating the different forms requested. They would also enjoy the chance to move around instead of being confined to desks. I think this would also be great to use throughout the year as a kinesthetic method of acquiring skills and content.
The second structure I would like to try is Corners. Even though the students know each other well, there is always more to learn about each individual’s likes and dislikes. There are so many topics that can be used and in the groups, the students could discuss why they chose the specific item or why they didn’t choose one of the others. It would also be interesting to see if some students made their choice based on the choice of a close friend. That gives great insight to the dynamics of the group.
The third structure I will try is Line Ups. I love choosing different topics as a way of lining the kids up. I think that it could be incorporated into content being studied at the time. I think it would also reduce the idea of always being first, a priority that a few of my students took to heart too often last year.
Thanks for your time!
Deb
My name is Deb and I am new to this forum. I teach fourth grade in a small suburban school. I am here to ask for some assistance. I am currently taking a class on Collaborative Learning. One of my assignments requires me to get some input from teachers who already use Collaborative Learning. I have chosen three of Kagan’s structures that are useful for class building and have given a brief explanation as to why I think they would be successful in my classroom. I need some constructive criticism or other advice about my plan. If you are able to help, I would be truly appreciative.
I have chosen to implement three structures this coming year. The first one is Formations. I think this would be great for class building because my fourth grade students know each other well due to the fact that we have a relatively small school. They are comfortable with each other and would feel at ease creating the different forms requested. They would also enjoy the chance to move around instead of being confined to desks. I think this would also be great to use throughout the year as a kinesthetic method of acquiring skills and content.
The second structure I would like to try is Corners. Even though the students know each other well, there is always more to learn about each individual’s likes and dislikes. There are so many topics that can be used and in the groups, the students could discuss why they chose the specific item or why they didn’t choose one of the others. It would also be interesting to see if some students made their choice based on the choice of a close friend. That gives great insight to the dynamics of the group.
The third structure I will try is Line Ups. I love choosing different topics as a way of lining the kids up. I think that it could be incorporated into content being studied at the time. I think it would also reduce the idea of always being first, a priority that a few of my students took to heart too often last year.
Thanks for your time!
Deb