Korean Job Discussion Forums

Omkara · Joined: 18 Feb 2006 Location: USA

I've just begun my job in a boys middle school. One of my co-teachers sets his class up into groups, and each group has a name which it invented. Each group can gain points through participation.

I like this for several reasons. One of which is that I can easily walk around in the classroom and get to the kids, thereby preventing "hiding." My other co-teachers keep their kids in traditional rows, which I find less effective. But, some of these classes are so small and packed, I don't think I could get them into groups easily.

In short, just describe what has worked or not worked for you. Lets generate some good ideas. (You see, a year can be a long time. So, may as well have some fun where it's possible!)

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

Ok, ok.......

I am at a fairly large elementary school, so I have around 36-40 in each of my 22 different classes. Luckily, we don't have traditional desks in my classroom. We have the 6 large tables. Good.

So, each class is divided into six groups. They are given team names.............houses from Harry Potter, World Cup team names, English Premier League names, whatever. Points are given........and points are taken away. I tell they are competing against each other, and we have various activities and games, in which they have opportunities to earn points...........especially with volunteering and speaking.

Cheers.

dmbfan

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

I tried group seating at MS and it didn't work in the slightest.At HS I have it and it's conducive for some students who are into the task at hand,but,for those who don't care it becomes open season.

The table design is hexagonal,so I'm stuck with it.

MS I went back to having them operate in rows for memorisation/repetition,then turn their seats around to form groups for group stuff.

Colorado · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 8:40 pm Post subject:

I just got my own classroom after a year here at a public middle school. It's called English Zone. No more traveling from room to room. I have 6 tables with 6 students at a table, so yeah, six teams. Right now they are Team 1, Team 2, etc. But team names would be nice.