How to Design Small Group Instruction to Foster Active Learning and Shared Understanding

Hacking Learning Centers in Grades 6-12: How to Design Small-Group Instruction to Foster Active Learning, Shared Leadership, and Student Accountability (Hack Learning Series)

by Starr Sackstein

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10724 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	190 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	98 pages
Item Weight	:	5.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.24 x 8.5 inches
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Small group instruction is a powerful teaching strategy that can foster active learning, collaboration, and shared understanding among students. When students work together in small groups, they have the opportunity to engage with the material in a more meaningful way, discuss their ideas with others, and learn from each other.

Benefits of Small Group Instruction

There are numerous benefits to using small group instruction in the classroom, including:

• Increased student engagement: When students are actively involved in their learning, they are more likely to retain information and develop a deeper understanding of the material.
• Improved collaboration skills: Small group instruction provides students with the opportunity to work together and develop their collaboration skills, which are essential for success in the workplace and beyond.
• Enhanced problem-solving abilities: By working together to solve problems, students can develop their critical thinking skills and learn how to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
• Increased motivation: When students feel like they are part of a team and have a sense of ownership over their learning, they are more likely to be motivated to participate and succeed.
• Shared understanding: Small group instruction can help students to develop a deeper understanding of the material by providing them with multiple perspectives and opportunities to discuss and clarify their ideas.

How to Design Small Group Instruction

To design effective small group instruction, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Group Size

The ideal group size for small group instruction is between 3 and 6 students. This size allows for each student to have a voice and participate actively in the group.

2. Group Composition

When forming groups, it is important to consider the students' learning styles, strengths, and interests. You may want to mix students with different strengths and weaknesses to ensure that all students have the opportunity to contribute and learn from each other.

3. Learning Goals

Before you start planning your small group instruction, it is important to identify the learning goals that you want students to achieve. These goals should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the curriculum.

4. Activity Design

The activity that you choose for your small group instruction should be engaging and relevant to the learning goals. It should also be designed to promote collaboration and discussion.

5. Assessment

It is important to assess student learning both during and after small group instruction. This will help you to gauge students' understanding of the material and make adjustments to your instruction as needed.

Tips for Implementing Small Group Instruction

Here are a few tips for implementing small group instruction in your classroom:

• Provide clear instructions: Before students begin working in their groups, make sure that you provide them with clear instructions on what they are expected to do.
• Monitor student progress: As students work in their groups, circulate around the room and monitor their progress. This will help you to identify any students who may be struggling and provide them with support.
• Encourage collaboration: Encourage students to work together and share their ideas. You may want to set up ground rules for group work to ensure that all students have a chance to participate.
• Provide feedback: After students have completed their group work, provide them with feedback on their performance. This feedback should be specific and actionable, and it should help students to improve their collaboration and learning skills.

Examples of Small Group Instruction Activities

There are many different types of activities that you can use for small group instruction. Here are a few examples:

• Jigsaw: In a jigsaw activity, each student is assigned a different part of a topic to learn. Then, the students come together in groups and share what they have learned with each other.
• Think-Pair-Share: In a think-pair-share activity, students first think about a question or problem individually. Then, they pair up with a partner and share their ideas. Finally, the pairs share their ideas with the whole group.
• Role-Playing: In a role-playing activity, students take on different roles and act out a scenario. This can be a great way for students to develop their empathy and problem-solving skills.
• Problem-Based Learning: In a problem-based learning activity, students work together to solve a real-world problem. This can be a great way for students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations.
• Project-Based Learning: In a project-based learning activity, students work together to create a product or project. This can be a great way for students to develop their creativity and teamwork skills.

Small group instruction is a powerful teaching strategy that can foster active learning, collaboration, and shared understanding among students. By carefully designing and implementing small group instruction, you can create a learning environment that is engaging, supportive, and effective.

Hacking Learning Centers in Grades 6-12: How to Design Small-Group Instruction to Foster Active Learning, Shared Leadership, and Student Accountability (Hack Learning Series)

by Starr Sackstein

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10724 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	190 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	98 pages
Item Weight	:	5.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.24 x 8.5 inches
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE