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Using 'Placemat' in a Socially-Distanced Classroom using Google Docs, Slides
Using 'Placemat' in a Socially-Distanced Classroom using Google Docs, Slides
The Placemat Activity strategy provides an opportunity for each student in a group to record individual responses and ideas regarding an issue, topic or question for consideration. The strategy can be used to brainstorm ideas, record researched information or analyse documents or other stimuli.
Using a shared Google Doc or Slides, students / small groups can work on a virtual Placemat in real time.
Key Skills
Key Skills
Managing information and thinking
Managing myself
Communicating
Being literate
Being creative
Working with others
Required Resources
Required Resources
In the Classroom setting
Google Account
Teacher PC / Laptop
Projector
Students: Mobile phones, tablets or chrome book.
Online Teaching & Learning
Student Google Account
Teacher PC / Laptop
GoogleMeet (where blended learning is required)
Students: Mobile phones, tablets or chrome book.
The Technology: Google Docs & Slides
The Technology: Google Docs & Slides
Using a shared Google Doc or Slides, students / small groups can work on a virtual Placemat in real time.
Three students take on roles of timekeeper, facilitator, and recorder.
The timekeeper sets 3 mins (or a suitable length of time) on a timer and alerts the group when the time for individual work is up.
The facilitator leads a discussion on what was written by each individual and helps the group come to a consensus. The recorder types the agreed group response in the centre of the placemat.
Extension: Combine with a ranking ladder activity where multiple answers are recorded in the centre but they are ranked. The facilitator could determine priority with a simple show of hands.
Instructional Videos: How to use Google Docs for flipped / blended lessons
Instructional Videos: How to use Google Docs for flipped / blended lessons
Classroom Approaches / Strategies
Classroom Approaches / Strategies
Using a shared Google Doc or Slides, students / small groups can work on a virtual Placemat in real time.
Three students take on roles of timekeeper, facilitator, and recorder.
The timekeeper sets 3 mins (or a suitable length of time) on a timer and alerts the group when the time for individual work is up.
The facilitator leads a discussion on what was written by each individual and helps the group come to a consensus. The recorder types the agreed group response in the centre of the placemat.
Extension: Combine with a ranking ladder activity where multiple answers are recorded in the centre but they are ranked. The facilitator could determine priority with a simple show of hands.
Assessment
Assessment
This strategy:
facilitates effective discussions that elicit evidence of learning
requires a consensus which is achieved by peer and teacher feedback
activates students as learning resources for one another
Junior Cycle for Teachers Resource Video
Junior Cycle for Teachers Resource Video
Points to Note
Points to Note
Students working together in groups can generate lots of ideas.
Ensure all students get an equal opportunity to share.
Brainstorming could be used as a stimulus for creative or functional writing, vocabulary development on a topic in languages or for relevance of a scientific discovery in our lives etc.
Inclusion of all Learners
Inclusion of all Learners
Allocation of roles to meet strengths/support needs
Can highlight prior knowledge/area of interest within a topic
Develops opportunity to be multi-lingual Quick to model Can be completed in small groups, pairs or individually
Peer support and tutoring
Great visual aid to support highlight democratic classroom Individual sections springboard into enquiry based activity
Accessible – words, pictures, and audio
Placemat can be used to support Teaching, Learning and Assessment in all subjects as well as the Level 1 Learning Programmes (L1LPs) and the Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs)
Examples
Examples
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