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Cooperative Groups

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 2:12 am
by teachnj
I like to have my students sit in cooperative groups so they can bounce ideas off each other and help each other with their work. I teach at the middle school level and most of the time I have to remind them to get back on task because they are more interested in the social aspects of school. Any ideas? tips?

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:02 am
by Sally Olsen
There is a whole area of study called "Cooperative Learning". Just Google and you will find books, articles, essays and teacher's tips. It is a very worthwhile goal and will increase learning, socialization, atmosphere and lessen your load.

Group work

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 5:11 pm
by alawton
Hello,

I do a lot of group work with my middle school ESL students too. In terms of keeping students on task, I have had the same problem. I try to make sure not to have friends in the same group. I also make sure the assignment has a clear due date or time that it is due. If a group doesn't finish in time they have to come in for recess to finish it. This gets the kids to police each other in terms of wasting time talking. Good luck!

Andrew
http://drewseslfluencylessons.com