Group+Learning

**Cooperative Learning**

**Philosophy**

**I believe that peer interaction is one of the most important aspects of a student’s education. My class will emphasize this essential piece of student knowledge through cooperative learning. This exciting learning method involves students working together to achieve academic excellence. Throughout the year, students will engage in various group exercises and assignments to practice teamwork, while also acquiring crucial historical knowledge. Students will actively participate in discussions and even begin to learn from each other as they become experts in cooperative learning. At the end of the year, students will have mastered a system that will help them learn more than they had ever imagined!** **Seating** **As much of our class time will be spent in groups, students will familiarize themselves with the layout of the classroom. Group learning will consist of 4-5 students. The student's desks will be facing each other for maximum group proficiency (see figure below for example). Students should not, however, get accustomed to the same group members as we will be mixing groups throughout the year!**



**Learning Format** **This bulleted list represents the learning procedure during cooperative learning:**
 * **Students come to class prepared to discuss assigned homework/readings**
 * **Students join their individual groups of 4-5 students**
 * **Each student will be assigned a group role (Leader, Time-Keeper, Note Taker, Speaker, etc.)**
 * **Group engages in discussion of assigned content (find main ideas/questions for class discussion)**
 * **Group presents main ideas/questions to teacher in class discussion**
 * **Teacher finalizes class discussion**

**Group Processing**

**Throughout the year, students will be able to assess their group performance and receive feedback. Groups will turn in short lists of the positives and negatives of their own performance. Helpful questions include:**


 * **Do we stay on task?**
 * <span style="color: #c00000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: left;">**Do we work well together?**
 * <span style="color: #c00000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: left;">**Are we too loud?**
 * <span style="color: #c00000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: left;">**Where could we get better?**

<span style="color: #808080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10pt;">**This type of processing allows for students to recognize strengths and weaknesses within their group. This will ultimately result in maximum group achievement!** <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16.5pt;">**Grading** <span style="color: #808080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**This is an overview of how students should expect to be graded:**
 * <span style="color: #808080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Grading based on involvement and participation in the group**
 * <span style="color: #808080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Factors in to overall participation grade (10%)**
 * <span style="color: #808080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Students expected to complete individual group assignments**
 * <span style="color: #808080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Clipboard used by myself to check for individual completion**
 * <span style="color: #808080; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left;">***Bonus points will be rewarded throughout the year for overall group excellence!**
 * <span style="color: #808080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Students will be held accountable for rule breaking (see Classroom Policies)**


 * <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16.5pt;">Accommodation **


 * <span style="color: gray; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 9pt;">I reserve the right to assign groups. Also, students with necessary accommodations will be able to work with me on specific assignments. **