some thoughts to share, part 5
ALWAYS have a back-up plan. You'll be glad you did, and you'll use it often...especially when dealing with technology!
Make sure that YOU, not the class, are determining the volume level of your instruction. This, for me, deserves constant reminding!
Have the following already posted on walls:
-large numbers 1-6. This way, any groups you create already know where to meet.
-"Yes" and "No" signs. It's easy to group students along a continuum using this method.
-"Consultation Station", as it's great to have a place set aside for teacher-student or peer consultation time.
After giving directions, don't answer any questions for the first 20 secconds or so. This seems harsh, but it will encourage students to
1-critically think and review what you said
2-do their own information seeking within their peer group, which is powerful for both parties
3-free you up to deal with other issues.
(Disclaimer-This is NOT to say you shouldn't be present, directive, and available for your students).
During Socratic seminars (and other student-driven discussions), I notice that many students look right at the teacher when they are speaking. Do your best to minimize visual contact with the student who is speaking. This sends the message that students, not you, are the center or the driving force of the discussion, and that the interaction should happen on a peer level.
Make sure that YOU, not the class, are determining the volume level of your instruction. This, for me, deserves constant reminding!
Have the following already posted on walls:
-large numbers 1-6. This way, any groups you create already know where to meet.
-"Yes" and "No" signs. It's easy to group students along a continuum using this method.
-"Consultation Station", as it's great to have a place set aside for teacher-student or peer consultation time.
After giving directions, don't answer any questions for the first 20 secconds or so. This seems harsh, but it will encourage students to
1-critically think and review what you said
2-do their own information seeking within their peer group, which is powerful for both parties
3-free you up to deal with other issues.
(Disclaimer-This is NOT to say you shouldn't be present, directive, and available for your students).
During Socratic seminars (and other student-driven discussions), I notice that many students look right at the teacher when they are speaking. Do your best to minimize visual contact with the student who is speaking. This sends the message that students, not you, are the center or the driving force of the discussion, and that the interaction should happen on a peer level.
posted by just a guy at 1:52 PM
3 Comments:
Some cool ideas with tech: Instead of having kids write a 5 paragraph research paper ask them to contribute to a wiki or blog about their topic, maybe write a non-fiction children's book with the information they gathered.
Book clubs or socratic discussions can go online with a blog or wiki that is attached the the class. The only trick is ensuring students all have access to tech. Maybe partner with the library?
Your suggestions about controlling volume and the 1-6 group signs would have really made a difference in my less than successful vocab lesson a few weeks ago. So much of teaching is management, even when your instruction is well intentioned!
I think directing my eyes to students other than the one who is speaking in group discussion would prove to be quite difficult. I like to make eye contact with the person who is speaking. However that is a great idea. I will try it next time I'm facilitating a student-led discussion.
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