Managing Groups

1. Managing Groups Eileen Rowe Courtney Howard

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

3. Types of Groups • Readiness– heterogeneous • Readiness– homogenous • Independent or individual

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

5. Group Size • Pairs • Triads • Quads • 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.

6. Group Make-up • 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 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

7. Assigning Groups • Post-its on desks • 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.

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

9. Your Role • Facilitator • Coach

10. Importance • Students’ strengths • Variety

11. Management • Anchoring activities • Group rules • Group roles • Accountability

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

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

14. Handouts • We hope these help!