Helping Quads/Trios

Helping quads/Trios is a collaborative structure used to provide students with the opportunity to develop speaking and listening skills, while simultaneously learning how to provide and receive feedback. This helps students engage in relevant and appropriate reciprocal conversations.

HANDOUTS and RESOURCES:

Helping Quads Checklist

STEPS:

GROUP CLASS: Divide the class into fourths (for quads) or thirds (for triples) by giving each student one of the four/three different colors of a pre-selected object (different colors of sticky notes, copy paper, crayons)
ASSIGN LETTERS: Students form groups of 4 (or 3) consisting of one student with each of the different colored objects. Assign each member of the group a letter (A, B, C, D).
1. 1. 1. EX; A= students with pink sticky notes, B = students with yellow sticky notes, etc..
STRUCTURED DISCUSSION: Give groups a topic or task to discuss
1. 1. 1. Student A is in the “hot seat” and should discuss the topic for 2 minutes while B, C, D listen, takes notes, and writes questions
    2. Next, students B, C, D offer feedback for 1 minute while student A listens, takes notes, writes questions
    3. All students engage in open dialogue for 1 minute using their notes and questions
    4. Repeat process for Student B, then C, and D in the hot seat

SCAFFOLDS:

Display instructions and use a timer
Provide discussion frames for dialogue and feedback
Provide a note taking template

EXTENSIONS:

If students are sharing evidence-based information, move the discussion into a Philosophical Chairs or Socratic Seminar for deeper understanding and perspective.
Have students reflect on the collaborative process and their participation.

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