Use playing cards so students can see which group they are in and where to go
(have tables pre-marked...use fish numbers and A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Groups of 3 is optimal.
Change groupings every day to increase thinking.
Question 1
What are some of the things in this chapter that immediately feel correct?
I have been using random groups for years, however, I have been making the random groups and telling the students that they are randomly created. I like the idea of handing out playing cards so that students can see the randomness and know that tomorrow their group will change.
Question 2
What is the worst combination of students that can come together in random groups? What is this perception based on? Is there any possibility that this could go well?
The first thing to pop into mind is that a group of all weak students could end up together. But, this could be a good thing as they won't have the pressure for contributing ideas to students they deem smarter than they are. Kagan suggest heterogenous
Question 3
Can you think of some students who would benefit greatly from visibly random groups? Why would they benefit?
Based on the research in the book, I totally believe that all students will benefit from random groups. By not having the pressure of having to pick groups or fall into "undefined" follower roles, more thinking is sure to happen!
Question 4
Can you think of some students who will likely not enjoy random groups? Would it still be good for them?
My independent thinkers may not like to be switching it up all the time. But I do believe that being able to communicate and share with others is a needed skill for the future workplace.
Question 5
What are some of the challenges you anticipate you will experience in implementing the strategies suggested in this chapter? What are some of the ways to overcome these?
I can still see students complaining about their groups. I will just point out that groups will continue to change each day.
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