Crayons in the Classroom

Mindy Nowacki

Crayons in the Classroom

Our classrooms are filled with a diverse population with diverse needs.

When coloring a picture, do you only use one color?

Why teach with one method?

Pilot Program

• Weekly group projects.

• Group makeup changes every 5 weeks.

• Students rotate to a new role each project.

• Use one of the following cooperative learning techniques:– Jigsaw– Learning Together– Business Partners

Diverse LearnersIn each of the following cooperative learning techniques, diverse learners are

given the opportunity to thrive in the best way that meets their needs.

Multiple Intelligences Activities geared to appeal to various intelligences.

Gifted and TalentedAbility to use more difficult resources.

Struggling Learners Ability to use resources in language they can understand.

Learning Styles Left/right brained – Activities tap into both hemispheres of their brains. Senses – Activities encourage children to incorporate all their senses.

JigsawPurpose

– To disseminate information without using a lecture approach

Overview– Each group compiled of five members– Individuals obtain information and bring back

to the group – Class tested on knowledge obtained during

this exercise

JigsawIndividual Assignment:

– Each team member given a topic to investigate and become an expert.

– Various resources available for various reading levels.

JigsawExpert Panel:

– Same topic members gather to discuss and gain further knowledge on topic.

– Help answer questions raised when researching individually.

– Establish rules to speaking; Not everyone can talk at once; pass the stick in order to talk.

JigsawGroup Presentation:

– Go back to group and present their topic.– Must listen to each individual presentation

within the group.– Rely on others presentations to gain

knowledge of all the expert’s findings.

JigsawThumbs Up

– Creative way for students to obtain knowledge.– Great way to encourage interpersonal

relationships.– Allows each person to gain a sense of

importance and responsibility to obtain knowledge for their group.

JigsawHeads Up

– Students may feel overwhelmed in finding the information on their own initially.

– Students may not take the initiative to independently find the information prior to expert panel.

– Group relies on the participation of the individual student participation. If a student does not take their role seriously, could affect the total group understanding and grade.

Learning TogetherPurpose

– Focus on each team member’s strengths in order for the team to excel.

Overview– Team given a project to complete.– Each team member chooses a portion to work on

that fits with his/her abilities and interests.– Graded as a team with one grade for the entire

team.

Learning Together

Thumbs Up– Allows students to use their strengths to learn.– Ego boost for students who may be struggling to

find their nitch.– Great exercise for students who may not be

great at tests or traditional book work.

Learning TogetherHeads Up

– Groups could be compiled heavily with one type of interest/ability (many artists, not many writers).

– Students aren’t given the opportunity to experience other interests or acquire additional abilities.

– Stronger personalities could overpower less assertive personalities.

Business Partners

Purpose – Reinforce and dig deeper into a topic previously

addressed in class.– Develop interpersonal skills needed for

educational and workforce environments.

Overview– Each team investigates and creates a

presentation on a sub-topic of a main topic.

Business Partners

For the most part, the roles are set and established each time the group activity is used. Only the project or

topic changes.

Roles:Leader – Leads the group discussionRecorder – Records the group discussion and decisionsReporter – In charge of packaging the finalized productCreative Director – In charge of the creative aspect of the

projectMonitor – In charge of ensuring the environment has been

left clean, maintain time restraints, and fills in as any other role if a member is absent

Business Partners

Thumbs Up– Great way to stretch students to learn different

roles and how to adapt to different situations.– Great way for students to have an opportunity to

use their strengths in creative ways to express ideals and understanding to topics and concepts.

– Allows topics to be presented to other students in a manner more appealing than direct instruction.

Business Partners

Heads Up– Easily distracted.– Students may feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar

role.– Achievement level balance could affect outcome.

Group Management• Group work takes work.

• Outline the rules and consequences prior to the activity.

• Enforce the rules and consequences.

• Understand that not all activities will work as group assignments.

• Understand your students. Align your groups to fit the needs of your students.

Questions?

Conclusion• When managed correctly, cooperative

learning techniques are effective and fun for all involved.

• Students are like crayons…it takes many colors to complete the mix!