Collaborative Study Groups

Purpose: to have students help each other solve points of confusion using inquiry to guide learning

Benefit: Collaborative Study Groups provide a structured, but flexible, format for students to engage more deeply in content with peers.

Process:

• Students identify a specific question from a content area

• collaborate to develop and deepen their understanding through Socratic inquiry

• apply their new learning in order to enhance classroom performance

Collaborative Group pre-work

• students complete this activity prior to meeting with their group

30/60 second presentation

• students present their question, what they already know, what they tried, and where they are stuck

INQUIRY at its best!

• Table mates use inquiry to ensure presenter comes to the correct understanding for the original question.(These stems are very helpful references until student become comfortable developing their own questions.)

• It is important to note - questions may not actually be answered within the group AND more questions may develop during the group's exploration of the original question.

NOTE-TAKING is always part of the collaborative group work

• Students might not use three column notes. Instead, the teacher may ask each student to add to their own notes as part of the FNT process.

• Let Terri know if you would like more information about collaborative study groups.

Guided Reflection (sample of written reflection option)

• Could be written

• Could be an oral explanation to the teacher after the group has been through the collaborative process and is sure all members have checked understanding