Collaborative Learning
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”
― Helen Keller
Group work is essential to the building of ideas and skills such as effective communication. As educators, it is imperative that we not only provide opportunities for collaboration, but also facilitate the process.
Inside/Outside CirclesCount off students into As and Bs, then have the Bs create a circle, and the As a concentric circle around the one the Bs formed. This can be used for turn-taking with idea sharing, debating two sides, practicing conversational exchanges…the uses are endless! Having a timer on hand can assist with keeping the task concise and on-point (shorter limits are optimal).
Photo credit: http://group-games.net/category/icebreakers/ |
JigsawCreate small groups to discuss one idea from a series of ideas (for example, a group of 3 to discuss topic #7), then break these groups into larger ones in which one person discusses, as an expert, the one topic originally assigned to that person in the smaller group. The activity allows for all students to have a voice, and to enhance their knowledge of an individual topic by both acting as the teacher (expert) as well as learning from peers.
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/en/jigsaw-puzzle-parts-jigsaw-puzzle-297209/ |
Mystery BoxProvide a box with various items, and allow students to create a hypothesis or a back story for the significance of these items. "To whom did these objects belong?" "What is theme connects these items?" This activity can be used in a variety of subjects, and helps a student develop the ability to make inferences. Participants will gain an understanding of the scientific process, as well as how to build and reshape ideas as needed.
Photo credit: http://www.whirleypopshop.com/390451.html |
Value Line Activity
Present students with a topic, and then have them place themselves on the line by standing on or near a spot which indicates their opinion on the matter (strongly agree, agree, ambivalent, disagree, strongly disagree or some other scale). Students can then have an opportunity to voice their opinions, and take turns listening to each other's rationales.
The teacher can also form mixed groups for discussion by choosing from opposite sides of the line.
Photo credit: https://help.online.uts.edu.au/value-lines/
Present students with a topic, and then have them place themselves on the line by standing on or near a spot which indicates their opinion on the matter (strongly agree, agree, ambivalent, disagree, strongly disagree or some other scale). Students can then have an opportunity to voice their opinions, and take turns listening to each other's rationales.
The teacher can also form mixed groups for discussion by choosing from opposite sides of the line.
Photo credit: https://help.online.uts.edu.au/value-lines/
Graffiti
This method encourages students to share their words (especially effective for some who may experience difficulty participating orally), as well as to then learn from the ideas of others. Putting words into written form allows many students to process the information and return to it as needed. Though often created using paper and markers, other boards can be created electronically using programs such as Poll Everywhere.
Photo credit: http://barrowsfifthgrade.weebly.com/social-studies-blog
This method encourages students to share their words (especially effective for some who may experience difficulty participating orally), as well as to then learn from the ideas of others. Putting words into written form allows many students to process the information and return to it as needed. Though often created using paper and markers, other boards can be created electronically using programs such as Poll Everywhere.
Photo credit: http://barrowsfifthgrade.weebly.com/social-studies-blog